Meet Brandon Younker, Rickey Burn's grandson and 5-Pin Bowling athlete
The recently renamed Rickey Burns Memorial 5-Pin Bowling Provincials is an emotional weekend for many. A long time bowling volunteer, Rickey was a mainstay at Bowling Provincials for many years. And while it may be the first 5-Pin Bowling Provincials without Rickey, his presence is felt by everyone in attendance.
A bowling coach to many, Rickey was also a Grampy to Brandon Younker. Brandon started bowling when he was 5 years old with the Youth Bowling Canada (YBC) program, a program first started in Charlottetown by Rickey. YBC is an inclusive and welcoming bowling program, designed to introduce bowling to the next generation.
Brandon has been bowling with Special Olympics for 13 years, first competitively, and now with the Community Sport program.
I wanted to get involved with Special Olympics to have more confidence in myself to succeed to and make friends. I learned that I am no different then anyone else, with or without a disability. I love bowling because it's fun, and because I can meet lots of new people. My favourite part about Bowling Provincials is the people, and my teammates.
Cheering on Brandon this weekend is his mother, Kim Younker, and his Grandmother, Cynthia Burns. Kim has been watching Brandon bowling since he was young, and recalls fondly how much her dad, Rickey, taught Brandon over the years.
Brandon started off bowling between his legs. And then the started to throw the ball the way he does now, the way his grandfather showed him. His grandfather taught him a lot.
When Brandon is not bowling he stays busy playing softball and attending Camp Gencheff. Brandon loves being outdoors, and is often seen around his neighborhood walking his dog. While at Camp Gencheff, Brandon often goes for hikes on the nearby trails.
Brandon is member of Team PEI 2026 Softball, and is busy preparing for the Special Olympics Canada Summer Games in Medicine Hat, Alberta this August. Brandon is looking forward to make some new memories at the Games, and is excited to again have his biggest fans cheering him on.