Collierville bowling alley gives special needs families new lane

MEMPHIS, Tenn. — A weekly bowling opportunity is striking up connection and confidence in special needs families across Memphis.

At 901 Bowl at Funquest in Collierville, lanes are reserved weekly for Pin Pals, a special needs bowling team.

“We started this. We were just some moms to get together, especially moms with special needs kids. And we decided that, you know, we wanted more for our kids. They love bowling,” said
Bonnie Fayne, founder of Pin Pals bowling team.

Now, Pin Pals is two and a half years strong.

“We treat them like regular people. I’m not going to hold your hand or baby you. You know, a lot of the parents get upset with me when they were saying my child needs a bumper. I was like, ‘No, your child just needs you to sit down and let them bowl,’” said Fayne.

Fayne saw a hole in Memphis’ special needs community and filled it with bowling pins.

“A lot of people think that they aren’t able to do stuff, but all they need is a chance,” said Fayne.

The group meets every Monday at 4 p.m. and costs $3 for two games. An adult is required to be with the bowler.