“Wii bowling is a great sport. Anyone can do it,” said Karen Maxin, the team’s coach and an employee of the Montgomery County Department of Recreation. “The fact that you’re not holding a 10- or 15pound ball—just a light remote instead—makes the game accessible.You can sit down and bowl or stand on your head and bowl. It doesn’t matter. All you need is a Wii and a TV.” At the Schweinhaut Senior Center, the UnbeWiiVables practice in front of a 52-inch-screen television. “It’s amazing how real it feels when you are bowling,” said Maxin. The team practices for two hours each Tuesday, Wednesday and Saturday. “Sometimes you don’t get as much practice time as you’d like because only four people can play at a time,” said Bing Cheung, 75, of Silver Spring. In an attempt to grow the league, the UnbeWiiVables welcome anyone interested in the sport to join them.
Brigham is always willing to share his knowledge and expertise. “Bob has this ability to watch someone and then help them adjust,” said Maxin. “Once they know where they have to bowl from and what grip to use, they improve.” “I enjoy teaching,” said Brigham. “I was a carpenter and taught many others over the years. Now I teach Wii bowling.” Brigham got hooked on virtual bowling after he scored 236 the first time he played. Over the past
A Wii bowling screen on a television
three years he has refined his technique and increased his average. It was a routine eye exam, however, that really helped bolster his scores. “I’ve bowled 64 perfect games—including four in a row—in the nine months since I got new glasses,” he said. While the game itself is fun, it is the camaraderie
and friendly competition that keep the five team members—all of whom grace the NSL Top 40 Bowlers list— playing. “I like the company,” said Anh Nguyen, 63, of Silver Spring. “We’ve become like a family.” SEE WII BOWLING, PAGE 29
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January 2012 | Gazette SENIORS
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