OKINAWA, Japan - Whether pro-leaguers nearing a perfect 300 score or beginners with a 75-point average, bowling is a sport with benefits for all.
Bowling opportunities on Okinawa abound with bowling facilities on Camps Kinser, Foster, Futenma, Courtney, Hansen and Schwab as well as Kadena Air Base.
Marines and sailors often come to bowl because it offers great entertainment and a great place for social gatherings, according to Julia Mathews, an administrative assistant at the Camp Foster Bowling Center.
People bowl individually and in groups for a variety of reasons, Mathews said.
For Pat Lindsey, an air frame mechanic with Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron 152, Marine Aircraft Group 36, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, III Marine Expeditionary Force, the bowling alley offers an affordable avenue of recreation.
“I love coming down here with my friends. It’s on base; it’s cheap, and there are always good friends around,” said Lindsey. “Even though it’s not a team sport, and we’re usually talking trash to each other the entire time; it still brings us closer together and builds camaraderie.”
Lindsey said he and his friends usually visit the bowling alley about twice a month.
“Some units also use bowling as a team-building exercise,” Mathews said. “I’ve seen units come in and keep track of everyone’s score, and the person that bowls the highest score gets a day off. I can tell it really builds unit morale.”
Bowling builds muscles in the arms and shoulders, stretches the upper and lower torso and keeps people active, Mathews said.
The bowling centers are also a place where people can mix with and enjoy the company of others, regardless of rank, in a social setting while enjoying a physical pastime, Mathews said.
“Get out of the barracks,” Mathews said. “Come down to the bowling alley. You can interact with other people, make some new friends and maybe even join a league.”
Marine Corps Community Services Okinawa is hosting a variety of bowling events at all locations throughout April.
For more information on bowling times and locations, visit www.mccsokinawa.com. Bowling enthusiasts can also visit the MCCS Okinawa bowling Facebook page at www.facebook.com/mccsokinawa.bowling.