Fifteen youth bowlers took part in the Youth Challenge Provincial 5 Pin Bowling Championships which were held at Mario’s Bowl, Thunder Bay, on Saturday, December 2,
This tournament consisted of youth ages 12 to 18 with an opportunity to advance to the National Virtual Championships in May 2024.
Capturing a gold medal by 1 point in a nail-biter last game was the Women’s Team from Gateway zone consisting of Coach Marc Lafleur, Morgan McKay, Sadie Tremblay, Leah Spurvey from Partners Bowling – North Bay, Kiera Bearisto and Trisha Walker-DuPont from Tri-Town Lanes - Haileybury.
Capturing a silver medal was the Gateway Mixed Team consisting of Coach Natasha Smith, Gavin Dewar and Connor McKay from Partners Bowling, Taylor Antler, Alexis Dinel and Owen Arsenault from Tri-Town Lanes.
Capturing a bronze medal was the Gateway Men’s team consisting of Coach Michael MacLean, Austin Sands, Connor Lafleur, Lincan Mantha from Partners Bowling, Morgan Bosak from Tri-Town Lanes and Logan Clark from Georgian Lanes – Parry Sound.
Securing the top 10 spots in the individual standings were Morgan McKay (6th), Leah Spurvey (7th), Kiera Bearisto (8th), Morgan Bosak (4th), Austin Sands (6th) and Lincan Mantha (9th).
The Youth Challenge Provincials would have been the precursor to the Ontario Winter Games but unfortunately, it was advised the previous day that both associations would not be participating.
Despite the sad news after driving 12 hours for the competition, the bowlers gave it their best resulting in many medals.
