Carolina Bowling Alliance

Who

In 1978 Charles Roane and Jackie Nelson met with several blind and visually impaired persons in Winston-Salem and discussed starting a bowling league. They scoped out Major League Lanes, bought balls and shoes, and with the aid of the Winston-Salem Recreation Department special populations program, purchased rails. They began going to the bowling alley on Thursday nights to practice. On October 19, 1979 the league was actually formed.

The league attended their first Southeastern Blind Bowling Association tournament in November of 1979, and in May of 1980 traveled to Cincinnati, Ohio for their first American Blind Bowlers Association national tournament. They had a team to win first place in both of these events. Over the years other tournaments have been attended, with money and trophies won, other bowlers met and new friends made.

At the present time, the league has 28 regular bowlers making up seven teams of 4 members each, one honoree member, and two advisors affiliated with the Winston-Salem Parks and Recreation Special Populations program.

Each spring the Forsyth Blind Bowlers host the annual Charles E. Roane Invitational Tournament on the third Saturday in March. It is a 6-game, one-day tournament consisting of singles and team competition. The tournament is held at CreekSide Lanes, and begins at 10 a.m.

With the assistance of Winston-Salem Recreation Department Special Populations program, Industries for the Blind and it’s Brighter Path Foundation, the Forsyth Blind Bowlers have been able to travel far and wide touching the lives of many people.