The Art of Body English

Merriam-Webster defines body English as “bodily motions made in a usually unconscious effort to influence the progress of a propelled object.” Major league baseball players do it, waving their arms to keep a ball fair. Golfers do it in hopes to influence the ball from hooking into a hazard. At the Southeast Los Angeles Whittier Area Bowling Competition on Saturday, Special Olympics Southern California bowlers made it an art form.

Arms went up in anticipation of a strike. They went left and right to guide them out of a gutter or onto a single pin for a spare. The athletes bent their knees in one direction to the next. They leaned backwards as the ball sailed to its target. They leaned forward in a non-verbal plea as the ball began to head off its intended path.

They shouted encouragement to the ball and to fellow teammates. Tongues were a common site, depicting concentration, hope and anticipation.

If you have not had a chance to attend a bowling competition, it is a must see. The athletes compete with such energy and joy; it is infectious. Each lane was alive with cheering and support, a smile will never leave your face.

For a taste, check out the photo gallery above for some of the best moments of body English from Saturday. Warning, your cheeks will hurt from the constant smiles.

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For the compete gallery and photos from all of the SOSC events, visit our Flickr page by CLICKING HERE.

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