There are lots of stories about how the Nintendo Wii has made a wide range of games available to families, and about the many examples of how seniors use the Wii for both fitness and fun in nursing homes and retirement communities. Perhaps I read them just to make sure I’ll still be able to play in my later years (I’m a big fan!) but, the Wii craze among seniors isn’t just about entertainment, rehab, and staving off dementia. Seniors who enjoy Wii Bowling can now say, “Show me the money.”

Catherine Masters, founder of the National Women’s Football Association, and member of the American Football Hall of Fame has started a Senior Wii Bowling Tour, complete with tournaments and prize money.

According to Masters:

“Wii is not only a competitive sport, it’s also super social and gives the seniors a chance to gather together and cheer each other on,” says Masters.

“Seniors can also use a little extra pocket change and I am confident that I can bring in enough sponsors to provide prize money tournaments around the country.”

Though there are many Wii bowling leagues and tournaments for seniors, Masters hopes to bring in major corporate sponsors for the this tour, something not usually common in senior sports leagues.

Seniors who enjoy Wii games can also connect with each other and find out more about the league at Masters’ site, Senior Wii Central.

In addition to the physical and mental benefits often cited for seniors, Wii is a great way for people to enjoy themselves and I love seeing a way that people of all levels and abilities can participate. The bowling circuit begun by Masters brings a different level of play to seniors, not only will they enjoy the physical and social benefits of the game they have a tangible goal and the chance to be meaningfully rewarded for their efforts.