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RICHLAND -- When Zane Carey's daughter-in-law asked if he'd like to join his grandson's bowling team, it was a chance to take up an old favorite pastime.
He used to take Brett, who's now 23, and his older brother Tyler bowling when they were younger, but stopped when Brett, who has dyspraxia and cerebral palsy, began having seizures 10 years ago.
Now, with the help of his mother Patty as coach and a caregiver, Brett is back in the game with his grandfather again at his side.
"It's been a lot of fun," said Zane. "Whenever (someone on the team) gets a strike or spare, it's a celebration."
Though he's no stranger to bowling leagues -- Zane was on the company team when he worked for Boeing -- this experience has been quite different.
Since September, he and Brett have practiced alongside 70 teammates during Friday evening practices, gearing up for the Special Olympics tournament today.
The unified team, which includes Special Olympics athletes and volunteers, "includes kids from 8 years old to 89," said Patty Carey.
"Thanks for the 'kids' bit," Zane said, laughing.
Zane said he's had to make some adjustments because of age, starting with a lighter ball.
"I threatened to go down the alley with the ball," he said with a smile. But he's found taking up the sport again has been a lot of fun.
Armed with their personal bowling balls -- Brett with an 8-pound ball he bought with his salary from Goodwill and Zane with a 10-pound ball -- the Careys are a double threat.
Brett bowls an average of 45 without the help of gutter guards, but broke his record last week with a score of 81.
"We've gotten better," said Zane, who bowls an average of 151.
"For (Zane) to jump out on the lanes and bowl, it shows he has a zest for life," said Jill Ives, with Special Olympics Washington.
The bond that bowling team members have formed doesn't stop in the alley. Brett's friends and teammates also recognize Zane at birthday parties and other gatherings, bringing the group closer together.
"I'm grateful (Patty) asked me to join the team," Zane said. "It's been great fun."
The daylong tournament at Atomic Bowl in Richland will bring in more than 300 Special Olympics and unified partners. Teams from Sunnyside, Walla Walla and Moses Lake will participate.
Gold medalists will have the opportunity to apply to participate in the 2010 Special Olympics National Games in Nebraska July 18-23.
Anyone interested in donating to or volunteering with Special Olympics can call 736-3120, ext. 301.
Donations can be sent to 8911 W. Grandridge Blvd., Suite P, Kennewick, 99336.
