What do you call a gay tenpin bowling group? The 69ers, of course. Bowler Daniel Proh gives us the low-down on one of the more unusual sports in this year’s Melbourne Outgames.

Is tenpin bowling a popular ‘gay’ sport?
Yes I believe so. The 69ers is a gay league which has been around for some 23 years, which would make it one on the oldest gay sporting clubs in Melbourne – for the competitive bowlers. Often you also hear of other gay organisations which have simply a bowling night out just for some fun.

Where do you compete?
Moorabbin 10 Pin Bowl on a Thursday night at 8.30pm.

What skills do you need?
None really, but like many other sports it is easy to begin but to do well you need to be consistent. We play a handicap league which allows bowlers to have a handicap (extra number of pins) based on their average added to their score each game which helps 'level the playing field'.

Do you need a special glove to be a pro bowler?
Not at all. Some bowlers wear them to help support their wrists, often because they impart significant spin or bowl with a heavy ball (can be up to 16lb), or they believe it gives them an edge. Generally most people bowl without one.

Is it true bowlers eat lots of hot dogs during the game?
In the leagues I've seen I would say more alcohol is consumed!

Are you ever tempted to wear the shoes out after the game?
Absolutely not, apart from the fashion blunder, the soles of the shoes would pick up grit and make it potentially dangerous to bowl on the polished wooden lanes.

How will the Outgames competition work?
The competition has single double and teams. Participants will bowl in an elimination round and then the top qualifiers will play in the finals. The highest cumulative score (including handicap) wins the gold medal in the finals.

How do you think Melbourne’s teams will fare?
In bowling like most other sports there is a home ground advantage. But that is only the starting point: you still need to bowl well to win!

Details: www.queersportmelbourne.org


Summa of sport!
Get your sports gear on and try one of these sporting Midsumma events.

Nomads Beach walk
Fancy a 12km saunter on Australia Day? Join the Nomads walking group as they head off from Sorrento for a sandy adventure. Don’t forget water and sunscreen.
Saturday January 26

Big bike out
The Bent Kranks are pumping up the tyres of their hybrid and mountain bikes for a 24km ride from Fairfield to Eltham.
Sunday January 27
Details: www.bentkranks.com.au

Ride the wave
Pros and novices alike are invited to a surfing soiree by GLBTI group Bent Boards at Torquay. Wax and rubber suits essential!
Sunday February 10
Details: www.bentboards.eventbrite.com

by CATHY ANDERSON