Williams Lake youth bowler returns from national championship in Edmonton
Published 11:38 am Saturday, April 18, 2026
Kara-Lynn McAlpine remembers feeling a rush of excitement tinged with anxiety as she and her family drove from Williams Lake to Edmonton for the Canadian 5 Pin Bowlers’ Association Youth Challenge National Championships.
McAlpine joined several other top B.C. youth bowlers from across Canada to compete against other provincial teams for national titles from March 24-29.
She and her team came in fifth.
McAlpine, with Williams Lake First Nation, was also one of five top bowlers making the 2026 Youth Challenge National Champions Women All-Stars with a bowling average of 241.85.
“I’ve been to tournaments and not win anything,” said Kevin who proudly spoke of his daughter’s big accomplishment.
He added his heart was pounding while the calculations were being determined for the All-Stars.
“It was a bit of a shocker,” Kevin said. “Definitely,” agreed Kara-Lynn’s mom, Lisa.
McAlpine has been bowling since she was two-and-a-half years old, and is looking forward to an upcoming tournament next month in Chase and also bowling school in the summer.
“I like meeting people but I also like the competitive side of it,” McAlpine said of bowling. “I want to do tour events in Alberta and make the national team for adults.”
On Facebook the BC 5 Pin Bowlers’ Association congratulated their talented youth bowlers who came in fifth at the Youth Challenge Nationals and also shared a special congratulations to McAlpine for making the Women’s All-Star team.
McAlpine normally practices bowling two to three times a week at Cariboo Bowling Lanes in Williams Lake.
Another Williams Laker heading to nationals is nine-year-old Riel Tate who will be competing in Winnipeg at the Youth Bowl Canada National Championships (Fivepin and Tenpin) from May 4 to 6.