If you’re looking for something different to do this summer, you might want to give bowling a try. Better Off Bowling is a national company launching new social bowling leagues in New Orleans this summer.
Don’t worry – these aren’t your grandpa’s bowling leagues.
Recent studies have shown that 1 in 3 young adults in the U.S. aged 18 to 24 suffers from extreme loneliness. Only 53 percent of people under 25 report having meaningful face-to-face interactions every day. This type of social isolation can lead to serious mental and physical health problems. Contrary to popular belief, social media isn’t necessarily to blame – even members of older generations reported that young adulthood was the time when they felt the most lonely in their life, in spite of having little to no “screen time.”
Better Off Bowling is focused on fighting this phenomenon by creating real-life, diverse communities of young professionals that can provide social interaction, forge friendships, and create lasting memories.
“It’s easy to let careers, serious relationships, and transient lifestyles become prioritized over friendships, hobbies, and community,” the company states. “Better Off Bowling is committed to helping young people build those lifelong necessities.
The leagues will be held at New Orleans Rock n’ Bowl, which offers bowling, live music, food and more. Teams are 6 to 10 players, but don’t worry if you don’t have that many players – you can sign up as an individual or a small group and Better Off Bowling will help you get to a full team – that’s one of the ways they help you meet new people! In addition to bowling, participants will play trivia and participate in after-bowling bar games such as Cards Against Humanity.
If you’re new to bowling, or not super competitive, that’s fine. These are social bowling leagues. While they do keep score, the focus is on meeting people and having fun, not competing for the highest score. As the company’s website says, “as long as you’re fun and social, nobody cares!”
Registration for the leagues is $68 and covers bowling, shoe rental, team t-shirt, trivia during bowling, and after-bowling bar games. Teams may also receive exclusive food and drink specials.
Those interested can register here.
Jenn Bentley is a freelance journalist and editor whose work has been featured in publications such as The High Tech Society, FansShare, Yahoo News, Examiner.com, and others. Follow her on Twitter: @JennBentley_
