What is Special Friends Bowling?
Special Friends Bowling is a club for disabled adult residents of The Villages, FL.
Are you affiliated with Special Olympics?
No, Special Friends Bowling is NOT affiliated with Special Olympics.
Where do you bowl?
We bowl at Spanish Springs Lanes, 997 Alverez Avenue, The Villages, FL 32159.
When do you bowl?
Special Friends bowls every other Saturday starting at 1:00 p.m. Bowlers must register and pay the $7.00 bowling fee, to the attending volunteer in the locker room, no later than 12:35 p.m.. Registration usually opens at noon. Bowlers arriving late will be turned away.
Please refer to the Special Friends Bowling calendar for the schedule.
How do I join Special Friends Bowling?
The best thing to do is come visit us while we bowl and ask to speak with one of our coaches. You may also complete and submit our contact form expressing your interest in joining us.
How much does it cost?
The bowling fee is $7.00 to play two (2) games of 8-pin tap.
How many games will I bowl?
Special Friends athletes bowl two (2) games of 8-pin tap.
How long does it take to bowl two games?
Bowlers usually complete two games in one (1) hour but some may take a little longer.
Can I get assistance if needed?
Yes, when you start bowling with us simply make known what assistance you require and our coaches and volunteers will make every effort to provide any reasonable assistance. Sometimes parents, guardians or caretakers are in the best position to provide the best assistance to their bowler’s needs.
Does Special Friends provide any adaptive bowling aides?
We own one bowling assist ramp and Spanish Springs Lanes provides us with a second one. All lanes have gutter guards. If you require additional bowling aides, you are responsible to provide them for yourself. Some of our bowlers have their own bowling aides, such as wrist supports and positioners, and specialty bowling balls.
Do I need to provide my own bowling ball?
You only need to provide your own bowling ball if you use a specialty ball. Spanish Springs Lanes has a wide selection of house balls to choose from.
Do you have a uniform?
Yes. New bowlers may purchase their uniform shirt from Custom Apparel & Gifts, located in The Villages Southern Trace Plaza. The men’s polo shirt has a 3-button placket and the ladies polo shirt has a V-neck. Tell Custom Apparel you are a member of Special Friends Bowling so they know to embroider the Special Friends Bowling logo and your name on your shirt.
Is a parent or guardian expected to remain at the bowling alley during play?
Yes, if the bowler is accompanied by a parent, guardian or caretaker, that person is to remain at the bowling alley, and available, while bowling is in progress. If not available during an emergency, we will call 911 before informing you. More importantly Parents, guardians and caretakers are our most important supporters and cheerleaders.
Why is it important to notify Special Friends Bowling of my absence?
It is your responsibility to notify Special Friends Bowling that you will be absent by 5:00 p.m. on the Thursday before bowling. Notify us of your absence by completing and submitting our online Absentee Form.
Special Friends Bowling has committed to reserve 23 lanes. If we do not use them all regularly, Bowlero may charge us for the unused lanes, charge us increased league prices or take them from us. Therefore, it is expected that all bowlers will be present.
Lane assignments are decided on Friday. Therefore, it is is important that we know who will be absent by then. This includes extended absences such as vacations, seasonal bowlers and Special Olympics athletes. Late notifications due to unexpected emergencies, health issues, and the like are acceptable. However, consistent absence without notification will not be tolerated and may result in you being removed from our group.
Where can I find archived editions of the Spares & Strikes Newsletter?
Archived editions of the Spares & Strikes Newsletter are found on our Downloads page.
Where can I find a copy of the Special Friends Bowling Agreement?
The Special Friends Bowling Agreement is found on our Downloads page.