Penang Mensa Bowling Competition 2006
by Elaine Cheong M/6004

On July 2nd 2006, fellow Mensans, families and friends from the North once again gathered at the bowling alley in Midlands One-Stop Shopping Cmplex for the annual Penang Mensa Bowling Competition 2006. Some brought their own personal equipment, some brought their loved ones to cheer them on but one thing for sure, everyone brought their best to the table.

Shortly before 2.30pm, the first ball made its way down the alley and the game is on. Strikes and spares were "popping" up all over the scoreboard followed by rounds of high-fives and cheers while some were jokingly blaming the "jinxed" lanes and "blind" balls for the "drain cleaning" actions.

Altogether 18 people (of which 10 were fellow Mensans) took part including 7 young budding talents. Mensan BL Yeoh's youngest son, Derek even took lessons to improve his game before the competition and boy, did his game improve!

All the participants took the opportunity to catch up and mingle around while waiting for their turn to bowl. While old friendships were strengthened, new comradeships were formed especially with the Penang Mensa Chairman's wife, daughter and son who were bowling for the first time.

By 5.30pm, all the participants' arms were aching as they wrap up the fourth game. Exco member WL Cheok and Sin Yoong Leong (participant & friend of the writer) tallied up the scores. The participants were then gathered around for results announcement and prize giving ceremony.

WL Cheok took the top prize for the Men's Category with 543 points followed by BL Yeoh in 2nd place with 485 points. Cecilia Yew (secretary for Penang Mensa) and I were tied for 1st place in the Women's Category with 436 points each.

With the podium finishes all sorted out and prizes given away to the respective winners, the curtain came down on the Northern Mensa Bowling Competition for the year 2006. There were lots of smiles and laughter all around throughout the entire competition.

Everyone had loads of fun and will make it a point to come back for more next year. Here's hoping there will be many new faces to join us in the next competition!