Everybody that has success in Canada at bowling, as in they are recognized world wide and are always up for medal contention, has something in common - the east coast. With 2 exceptions that I know of from BC and Alberta (Alberta because they were groomed at school in the states). None from Saskatchewan, a few from Manitoba but all from Ontario and Quebec. It's incredible really, the kind of bowlers they produce out there. I am very doubtful that anyone can say it's because of the population, there's a better chance of cultivating better athletes from a wider range of population.
No, the reason is opportunity. They have the Buffa studio in Montreal, which is where Canadian team training takes place, and they also offer private lessons, aided by computer programs, and of course the best coaches in the country. They are also close to the states, very well known for their success at the sport, so bowlers in that area of the country have many opportunities to experience many and different tournaments, starting at a young age.
For example, Junior Gold. You need to qualify in a qualifier first, but being an American tournament most of the qualifiers are held south of our borders, and it's easier (closer) for those in the East to get there.
I have no idea why this kind of transparency exists. Is it because there is more money out there? Is it because that's where the roots of canadian bowling started and it just stayed there and attracted the best and it just grew from there? I honestly don't know why we don't have more opportunities here. I know are numbers ARE indeed smaller, but we definitely have the talent. I suppose at least we do have elite coaching. We have two regular Team Canada coaches in Calgary, both of which have helped me in the past, and I know always will. And luckily we have an awesome pro shop guy in Edmonton who moved from Montreal, and who is also one of Canada's better bowlers - not as highly touted but has made Team Canada before and regularly participates in American tournaments.
I know quite a handful of kids in the East also going to school in the States, on scholarship, bowling on their school bowling teams. They will be the next big Canadian stars. This again, is because they are in the East. They are close to those good schools that it's more feasible. Out here in Alberta, I doubt it's the same (though I have not thoroughly researched this), which is why there have only been 2 girls who have gone to the US and have repeatedly made the Canadian team.
So it's days like this where I see a fellow Canadian winning gold with a perfect game, and wish that I could have the chance to someday get there. But I don't. I have to face that fact. Yes, I can be the tops in my province, but I'll never be able to call myself an elite bowler, I'll never have enough knowledge of strategy, equipment, lane conditions, etc no make it. If I lived out East I would have had a chance. Even moving to Edmonton gave me a better chance, it should have been sooner to maximize my growth, but I suppose I'll take what I can get.
In the end, it won't matter. I'll just be glad to be participating in a sport I love so much, and hopefully I'll be cheering on Canadians for the rest of my life. Maybe if I keep bowling as long as possible I'll have a chance on a senior team...? Ha I doubt it, my body will fall apart in 20 years.. But I can always dream, right??
Anyway, here's the video of George Lambert IV throwing his SECOND 300 of the tournament, on a SECOND pattern. He does it for Master's Gold, but more importantly he does it for his country.
