Tenpin bowling is widely regarded as a casual activity to do with friends, rather than the sport it is. Played in 100 countries, worldwide Olympic recognition could change the viewpoint on what is a fully inclusive sport.
Bowling alleys are a regular location for birthday parties and work nights out, and this is no different in Gloucestershire where local alleys are hoping to bring in more people who take the sport seriously.
“It is normally viewed as entertainment,” said a member of staff from Hollywood Bowl Cheltenham, “most people come in here to relieve some stress and sort of have fun.”
While people enjoying the game is a positive, there is a hope that the sport might become more respected, especially in the Gloucestershire area.
“It deserves more recognition, it’s one of the most inclusive sports that there can be, everybody can play bowling, it’s not too strenuous and all skill levels are accommodated.”
It’s this sort of inclusiveness that makes people believe that bowling deserves to be an Olympic sport, with over 100 million people having played the sport, recognition could change how many view it.
“If bowling was to get into the Olympics, it would definitely carry more weight, I think parents and schools should see it as a way for their kids to get more physically active”.
While bowling in Gloucestershire is popular, the lack of competitive players makes it difficult to have regular leagues in all areas. In the United States, bowling is integrated into the culture with more people taking the sport more seriously.
Olympic recognition would bring more eyes to the sport, especially in a competitive sense, showcasing the skill and excitement that can unfold in professional matches.
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Although not an Olympic sport, bowling is recognised at the world level with the IBF World Cup and PBA World Championship both taking place yearly. Yet the eyes on both competitions is nothing in comparison to viewership that the world-renowned games receive.
“For places like here, it’s all about visibility, if bowling is seen on the Olympic stage, people might be more likely to give it a try locally.
“Not only only would it benefit the sport, it would benefit the industry too. With more people taking bowling seriously, it helps with the money side, which can allow for better facilities.”
There is said to be approximately 188 alleys in the UK, which show there is a large amount of infrastructure already in place. However, high maintenance costs to keep lanes oiled to a competitive level, makes some alleys not up to the required standard
The inclusion of bowling at the Olympics would make these costs more worthwhile, and regular leagues would guarantee the use of the facilities every week and grow the sport.
Many players are hopeful that bowling will one day be included in the Olympics, as they look to bring light to a sport many view as a bit of fun rather than the competitive game it is.
