The Challenger Sunshine Bowlers will bowl in 10-week sessions between September and May in Medina, Lockport, and Niagara Falls. Everyone bowls two games. Each player is assigned to an alley and a team, and receives a bowling shirt. Bowlers enjoy a slice of pizza and glass of pop after their games once a month. Refreshments and part of the cost of bowling is provided through donations from sponsors and Challenger fundraisers.

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Bowling Buddies are an important part of the bowling program. Their job is simply to be a friend, engage the
player in conversation, if possible, help him/her roll the ball and help position them if needed to get the ball
down the alley for a strike. Buddies sometimes help  challenged partners by acting as guides for blind children
or by helping wheelchair-bound players navigate the alley and others with a ramp is needed. Buddies keep the
players attention on the game and make sure that the players are safe and no one gets hurt. This becomes a
rewarding experience for both the player and the Buddy. The Bowling Buddies program allows the parents to
receive a much deserved break and cheer the players from the sidelines. Bowling Buddies are asked to arrive 15
minutes before the games.

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​One of the goals of the Challenger program is to be as flexible as possible in order to make the experience a
positive one for each player. Some of our athletes in the league bowl from a specially made ramp that the ball
sits on, and with a little push, and aim, the ball will roll down the alley and hit the pins. The rest of the bowlers
give it their best shot and roll the ball down the alley in typical fashion. However, we try to accommodate to
each players skill level and encourage players to bowl in the way they feel most comfortable. Players whose
arm or hand strength prevents them from holding a bowling ball will have help from their assigned volunteer.
Bumper bowling is also available for those who need a little help keeping the ball on the alley.

It's OK not to play. We are very flexible and there is never pressure for the players to participate. There are times
when players are tired or upset and we want you to feel comfortable making the decision about an individual’s
level of participation. Please let your coaches and your assigned buddy know how they can be helpful in these
situations—when to be encouraging and when to back off.