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Virtual bowling strikes a chord with seniors

Wii games draw members, guests to Bain Center

July 20, 2008|By Karen Nitkin , Special To The Sun

When it was her turn, she grabbed the remote, wrapped the strap around her wrist and stared at the television screen, much like a real bowler would stare down the pins at the end of the lane. She swung her arm back, lunged forward, and rolled her arm forward, just like a real bowler, but without the heavy ball. The screen showed a bowling ball rolling toward the pins, and then seven pins falling. In her second try, she knocked down the remaining pins, then returned to her seat with a look of triumph.

Mohamed, meanwhile, was getting better with each frame. He bowled some strikes and spares, but Ray won the game with a score of 138 to Mohamed's 131. Mohamed, who is deaf, communicated by sign language and by writing that he likes to bowl and enjoys the virtual game.

Vigus said the game attracts five or six regulars each week, with new people trying it each week. Many people come to the center almost daily to socialize in the lobby, and they are urged to give the game a try.

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"The alternative is a lot of people would be doing a lot more sedentary activities during those hours," she said.

Vigus said she plans to bring the game to other senior centers in the county. And a bowling tournament is scheduled from 10 a.m. to noon July 29. There's no cost to enter, and prizes will be awarded. Will Ray participate?

"Definitely," she said.

ksnitkin@comcast.net

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