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08/13/2019 12:00 AM

New Haven LGBTQ Bowling League Seeks New Members


The New Haven LGBTQ Bowling League [formerly Rainbow Bowling League], one of CT’s most enduring LGBTQ social groups is inviting people to kick off the Fall Season with a New Activity and New Friends by joining the 2019/20 bowling season on Thursday nights 7:00-9:30pm at AMF Circle Lanes in East Haven, CT. Come get to know us on Thursday, August 29 for an evening of fun, free bowling and registration. The season officially begins Thursday, September, 2019 and runs thru April 2020. There is a break over the Christmas holiday.

New Haven LGBTQ Bowling 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. NH-LGBTQ 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. NH-LGBTQ 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. NH-LGBTQ 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.

About the New Haven LGBTQ Bowling League:

• LGBTQ and straight friendly bowling league

• All skill levels welcome

• Social, non-competitive environment

New Haven LGBTQ Bowling League

Sandy Pardes, President

Clinton, CT

Telephone: (860) 331-3356

Email: NHLGBTQ@gmail.com