Emotions run high at 70th anniversary of special abilities bowling league
BUTLER TWP — Before Joe Caparosa was even born, the family business was already providing a space for people with special needs to participate in a sport.
So, when speaking about Family Bowlaway’s special needs bowling program for its 70th anniversary Friday, Oct. 30, he got a bit choked up sharing the story of how his father, Joe L. Caparosa, started it all. Caparosa said a man named Ernie Bauer brought his son with special needs to the bowling alley in 1954, when Penn Lanes Bowling was in downtown Butler, looking to give him bowling lessons.
The lessons caught on in 1956, a few months before Caparosa was born, and they never stopped. Now, there are no lanes open from 2:15 to 4 p.m. every Friday — it’s the league’s time.
Having started so early, Family Bowlaway’s special needs bowling league is recognized as the oldest in the nation – and in Caparosa’s estimation, the world.
“Ernie wanted our dad to help teach his child how to bowl, it all started 70 years ago with that one bowler, and it has grown into this amazing program,” Caparosa said. “Eunice Kennedy Shriver, the head of the Special Olympics program for the United States has recognized (the league) as the oldest special needs bowling program in the United States, and for that matter, probably the world.
“We don’t think there’s anything else like it.”
Almost 100 people filled the alley Friday, with everyone there because of the program the Caparosa patriarch started all those decades ago. Almost everyone came in a Halloween costume, and several bowlers said they always look forward to the weekly activity.
Donnie Monn, of Butler, is a longtime bowler in the league. He said he is there mainly to meet new people but also enjoys the sport. He has traveled the nation to compete in the Special Olympics, which the league helps people get involved in.
“I’ve got bad days and good days,” Monn said of his game. “It’s hard (competing). Been to Villanova, Erie.”
In addition to Caparosa and his brother, Kevin Caparosa, who own and operate Family Bowlaway, the special needs bowling program is also managed by Mary Pitzer, who picked it up from Pat Byerly several years ago, according to Joe Caparosa.
Pitzer said the program has continued because of the constant interest from people looking to bowl.
Additionally, some community organizations that aid people with special needs spread the word and direct people to the bowling league and Special Olympics. These include Community Care Connections and the Alliance for Nonprofit Resources.
But almost all of the marketing for the league is through word of mouth, Pitzer said.
“We have between 87 and 100 bowlers that show up every Friday here to bowl. It’s just such a great little community for everybody,” Pitzer said. “Everybody’s just so happy and smiling and there’s great friendships on all of the lanes.”
The smiles were even bigger Friday because the session was a Halloween party and recognition of the league’s 70th anniversary. There was a costume contest and a slew of cookies to commemorate the occasions.
Ronna Fritz, of Butler, said she has been bowling with the league for four or five years, and has competed at some Special Olympics events in the Pittsburgh area since she started at Family Bowlaway.
Miranda Zawrotny did some practice rolls on the lane before the league play officially started Friday. She said she has been bowling there since 2022, and keeps coming because she has friends in the league and she likes the activity.
The league’s 70th anniversary was recognized Friday by the Butler County board of commissioners, with commissioner chairwoman Leslie Osche presenting the league with a proclamation. It was also recognized by the office of state Sen. Scott Hutchinson, R-21st. Osche served as one of the Halloween costume contest judges.
Bowling is not an Olympic sport. However, it is among the most popular sports in Special Olympics, according to the international organization’s website. It is particularly beneficial to people with intellectual disabilities, regardless of their age, or sports abilities, since it ensures physical exercise, participation and social integration.
Pitzer said the league at Family Bowlaway helps get people into the sport, but also gives them the chance to get better at it through continued play.
“They can learn to bowl and build their skills,” Pitzer said.
The Caparosas commented that bowling remains a good sport for people who want to be active without having to exercise intensely. Kevin Caparosa said people in their 90s bowl at the lanes.
“Bowling is for everybody,” Joe Caparosa said.
For more information on the Butler Special Abilities Bowling League, call Family Bowlaway at 724-283-8630.
