Nearly 40 seniors came together from Bridgeview, Stickney Township, and Palos Park to compete for their respective Wii bowling teams at the 2025 Cross Harlem Classic. The Bridgeview Park District and Louis Viverito Senior Center (Burbank, Stickney Township) teams have a kind rivalry after years of hosting each other annually for the relaxed Cross Harlem Classic since 2013, and they decided to increase the size of their event by inviting new competitors, Peace Village (Palos Park), to the biggest senior Wii bowling tournament they’ve ever put on.
The Bridgeview team brought sodas while Stickney Township’s Senior Center handled the sweet treats, hot dogs, and pizzas ordered from the Slice Factory on 79th St. near Harlem. The smiling faces of seniors of all ages and abilities as they swung their arms showed just how important the fun social event is for all involved. Not only did players get to see their usual friends, but they made new connections with locals they otherwise wouldn’t have met.
After a couple of hours of eating, laughing, and virtual bowling, players received gift bags and congratulated each other on an afternoon of fun filled with strikes, spares, and occasional gutter balls. The Bridgeview Park District will host the competition next year, keeping the spirit and comradery of the Cross Harlem Classic alive.
