About ATBSO
In 1992 at the ATBC National Championships in Gosford, a meeting was held at which several senior bowlers decided to form an organisation called the Australian Tenpin Bowling Seniors Organisation that catered for bowlers 45 years and over. A decision was made at the formation meeting to hold an Interstate Challenge series every year between all the States and Territories in a similar format to that of the Walter Rachuig Trophy.
This organisation is known to all senior bowlers as the ATBSO or, as we are proud to be called, “The Seniors”. With the success of the Open Division, a Restricted Division was included in 2003 and in 2011 a Classic Division, both of which have both proven to be successful. The National ATBSO Championships, challenges and Masters are bowled over 10 to 12 days in August/September.
In 1993 the ATBSO held the inaugural Interstate Challenge at Norwood Bowl in South Australia. Thanks to people like Marion Smith from South Australia, “The Seniors” Challenge was an instant success. The bowlers competing in the inaugural challenge also set the standard for the future of the challenges. The friendship and sportsmanship displayed in a highly competitive environment was something to be seen to believe. This spirit has been carried forward to every challenge since and makes the ATBSO Interstate Challenge the envy of the bowling world. Thanks to the original group of bowlers and their forward-thinking ideas, “The Seniors” Organisation was created and in 2017 celebrated its 25th Anniversary.
Since the first meeting in 1992 “The Seniors” Organisation has become the most successful bowling organisation in Australia. The challenge continues to go from strength to strength. The annual dinner held after the challenge each year has become the benchmark for bowling gatherings in Australia. Now bowlers from other Associations and Organisation can only look at “The Seniors” with envy and look forward to the day when they turn 45 and can join in the fun!!
Team Photos
| Year | Team | ||
| 2022 | Open | Classic | Restricted |
| 2021 | Open ~ | Classic ~ | Restricted ~ |
| 2020 | Open ~ | Classic ~ | Restricted ~ |
| 2019 | Open | Classic | Restricted |
| 2018 | Open | Classic | Restricted |
| 2017 | Open | Classic | Restricted |
| 2016 | Open | Classic | Restricted |
| 2015 | Open | Classic | Restricted |
| 2014 | Open | Classic | Restricted F Restricted M |
| 2013 | Open | Classic | Restricted |
| 2012 | Open | Classic | Restricted |
| 2011 | Open | Classic | Restricted |
| 2010 | Open | Restricted | |
| 2009 | Open | Restricted | |
| 2008 | Open | Restricted | |
| 2007 | Open | Restricted | |
| 2006 | Open | Restricted | |
| 2005 | Open | Restricted | |
| 2004 | Open | Restricted | |
| 2003 | Open | Restricted | |
| 2002 | Open | ||
| 2001 | Open | ||
| 2000 | Open | ||
| 1999 | Open | ||
| 1998 | Open | ||
| 1997 | Open | ||
| 1996 | Open # | ||
| 1995 | Open | ||
| 1994 | Open | ||
| 1993 | Open |
# = photo not available
~ = cancelled