LGBTQ Bowling League Looking for New Members

The Rainbow Bowling League, one of CT’s most enduring LGBTQ social groups is inviting people to start the New Year with a new Activity and new Friends by joining them for the second half of the bowling season on Thursday nights 7:30-10pm at AMF Circle Lanes in East Haven, CT beginning January 2018.

The Rainbow League is a social, non-competitive bowling league that welcomes all bowlers and skill levels. “The league truly represents the inclusive world we’ve all dreamed of living in. Bowlers include gay, straight and transgender men & women ranging in age from 20-80,” says league president Sandy Pardes.

The league boasts nearly 30 bowlers that make up 8 teams and is looking to grow. Rainbow Bowlers recently re-located the league to the AMF lanes in East Haven. According to Billy Sikorski, league vice-president, “The AMF team has been accommodating and welcoming during our transition. The facility is state-of-the-art with a real focus on customer service. Initial feedback from our bowlers has been outstanding.”

Bowling has one of the longest and richest histories of all sports, dating back approximately 4,000 years ago to Greece and Rome. Rainbow Bowlers love to play the game, and are not alone. According to The Bowling Foundation, more than 25 percent of Americans bowl each year, making it the nation's largest participation sport. Today, bowling is a $4 billion industry with nearly 3,000 bowling centers in the United States. Rainbow League bowlers are also members of IGBO, the International Gay Bowling Organization with over 8000 members worldwide. It is the official international bowling organization for the LGBTQ community with members in Australia, Canada, Germany, New Zealand and the USA.

Besides being a fun and social game, bowling also offers participants numerous health benefits such as weight loss and muscle toning/strengthening. It is a game for all ages and improves people’s social lives which also positively impacts health. “Many of us get together outside of the league and have created close, long-term friendships. And of course we all look forward to our super fun, year-end banquet!” said Darren Reitberg, league treasurer and longtime league member.

Rainbow Bowling League

Sandy Pardes, President

Meriden, CT 06450

(860) 331-3356

sandypardes@gmail.com