Enjoyment is the name of the game for mentally and physically challenged bowlers at the annual Bowling Challenge, hosted by the Ames Jaycees.

The 29th Annual Bowling Challenge offers an opportunity for individuals from across the state to participate in a bowling tournament Saturday at Twentieth Century Bowling, 505 S. Duff Ave.

John Oetken, community development vice president for the Ames Jaycees, said between 150 and 250 competitors from all over the state usually participate in the event.

“We’ve brought them in from Council Bluffs, the Quad Cities and Dubuque, but we get most of our competitors from the central Iowa region,” Oetken said.

Usually participants come as part of a group home or support agency, Oetken said.

“Among the bowlers are individuals with many different personal challenges. Some of the bowlers will be blind and will bowl by use of a sight rail,” Oetken said. “Other bowlers will be physically unable to lift a bowling ball and will bowl with the use of a ramp.”

The competitors take part in three individual games, creating an entire day’s worth of bowling.

“All games are bowled individually, and the highest scores at the end of the day receive prizes from area businesses,” Oetken said. Groups are also awarded for best spirit and sportsmanship.

“For each of these individuals, this is an opportunity to participate in a day of recreation, entertainment and socialization. Each year bowlers relate to us how this is one of their favorite and most memorable events of the year,” Oetken said.

Twentieth Century Bowling has hosted the bowling challenge for the last nine years.

“Our workers say it’s just a lot of fun to be at the alley that day,” said Kelly McPartland, manager of Twentieth Century Bowling.