By Julia Salazar | jsalazar@siadvance.com
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There’s been plenty of friendship, fun and strikes in City Access New York’s Inter-Agency Bowling League the past seven weeks at Rab’s Country Lanes.
The eight-week bowling program brings together individuals with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities from across Staten Island to break down barriers for individuals of all abilities, the mission of non-profit City Access New York.
Every Friday afternoon, 10 teams — encompassing dozens of competitors representing different organizations that serve adults with disabilities — meet to bowl.
The league is now in its second season and is spreading the word for more participants to join in on the fun.
“There’s a whole bunch of different agencies on Staten Island and this is an opportunity for our participants to socialize with participants from other agencies,” said Ryan Dillon, director of Program Services at City Access New York. “To get them together and just for our agencies to work together.”
Caitlin Higginson has been bowling since she was a young teenager and participates in the weekly meetings for the City Access Bowling League. Higginson says she gets it from her father, who bowls as well.
“It runs in my dad’s blood,” said Higginson. “It’s in his DNA.”
The bowling league has helped her to develop relationships with the participants — even if it’s just meeting every Friday to bowl. It gives them a chance to increase their socialization, which is an important part of the program to City Access, according to Dillon.
The City Access Bowling League has helped Lauren DiRago make new friends while doing what she loves every Friday. On top of playing in the City Access Bowling League, she also partakes in the Special Olympics on Staten Island and bowls at Rab’s Country Lanes every Tuesday.
“City Access New York is committed to creating opportunities for individuals with disabilities to thrive and connect with their community,” said Sophia Rossovsky, Executive Director of City Access New York. “The Inter-Agency Bowling League embodies our mission by providing a platform where participants can showcase their talents, build meaningful relationships, and experience the joy of belonging.”
The Inter-Agency Bowling League transcends the confines of a traditional sports program with its celebration of diversity, resilience, and the human spirit. Participants not only hone their bowling skills but also form lasting friendships that extend beyond the lanes.
As the second season winds down with only one week of competition remaining, City Access New York invites the community to witness the transformative power of inclusion firsthand. Whether it’s cheering from the sidelines or joining in the festivities, everyone is welcome to be a part of this journey.
To learn more and to register your agency for the next season, please contact League Coordinator Derek Concepcion, City Access New York, Derek@cityaccessny.org.