In 1992 at the ATBC National Championships
in Gosford, a meeting was held at which a number
of senior bowlers decided to form an organisation
called the Australian Tenpin Bowling Seniors
Organisation that catered for bowlers 45 years
and over. Today this organisation is now known
to all senior bowlers as the A.T.B.S.O. or as
we are proud to be called "The Seniors".
It was decided at the formation meeting to hold
an Interstate Challenge series every year between
all the States and Territories in a similar
format to that of the Rachuig Trophy.
Thanks to this original group of bowlers and
their forward thinking ideas, the birth of "The
Seniors" organisation was created. In 1993
the ATBSO held the inaugural Interstate Challenge
at Norwood Bowl in South Australia. Thanks to
people like Marion Smith from South Australia
"The Seniors" Challenge was an instant
success. The Bowlers competing in the inaugural
challenge also set the standard for the future
of challenges, their Friendship and Sportsmanship
displayed in a highly competitive environment
was something to be seen to believe. This spirit
has been carried forward to every challenge
since and makes the A.T.B.S.O. Interstate Challenge
the envy of the bowling world.
Since the first meeting in 1992 "The
Seniors" organisation has become the most
successful bowling organisation in Australia.
The Challenge continues to go from strength
to strength. The Annual dinner held after the
Challenge each year has become the benchmark
for bowling gatherings in Australia. Now bowlers
from other Associations and Organisations can
only look at "The Seniors" with envy
and look forward to the day when they turn 45
and can join in the fun!! |