By LAURA ROBISON
The Progress
The Moapa Valley Senior/Recreation Center held its first every Wii Bowling Tournament on Monday, Feb. 20 and it was a hit. The event pitted seniors against Moapa Valley youth in a virtual bowling tournament played on the popular Nintendo video game system.
Senior Center Director Cindy Marino matched up kids with seniors to play against each other. Three large-screen TVs were set up all connected to the Wii system. The bowlers, both young and old, alternated turns going for the strike!
Winners from each set would advance to the next round. This culminated into a final match up where one senior and one youngster were crowned as ultimate champions.
Participants included local students: Dalton Schumacher, Sara Neubauer, Tannon Bartalomy, Payslee Matheson, Aiden Matheson, Kamden Matheson, Keegan Winnie, and Austin Henstra. The seniors who signed up were Diana Bouge, Melinda Jacob, Lea Soltis, Ley Soltis, Ruthann Gilbert, Jennifer Henstra, Ann Snow, and Gail Kerns
Kearns has been coming to activities at the senior center for six years. “I love coming here,” she said. “And I play the Wii games every week.”
Diane Bouge is another ‘oldie but goodie’ who enjoys the activities at the senior center.
“I have been snow-birding here for about two years. “I am pretty good at the Wii, but my favorite activity is line dancing.”
Young Tannon Bartalomy was glad to be playing at the tournament. “My best score has been over 200,” he said. “I predict the kids will win.”
Ten-year-old Payslee Matheson was anxious to begin the tournament. “I like to play games and I hope my brothers and I can do good,” she said.
While the final matchup was being played, all attendees were served pizza, drinks and cookies.
Ultimately, the winners were chosen for their highest score. Ann Snow with a score of 204 won the tournament for the seniors. Payslee Matheson won for the youngsters with a score of 159. Each received a gift card for Maverik.
There were strikes, spares and even a few gutter balls. But everyone had a good time, with lots of encouragement and laughter.
Marino said there are plans to do more activities like this bringing kids and adults together.
“It’s great to have events here to involve the whole community,” she said. “We love to do different things that would be of interest for all ages.”
For information on the Moapa Valley Senior Center, please call 702-397-8002.
