CHARLOTTE -- More than 40 kids filled the lanes of AMF Bowling in Charlotte Sunday for a special bowling class.

"Dream to Achieve" is a group that hosts bowling class for kids with special needs.

The eight-week class wrapped up Sunday with an awards ceremony and an afternoon of bowling.

For the bowlers and their families, this was about more than having a new hobby. It was about making new friends.

"Being autistic, they are maybe not as social as other teens are. So it's important to provide opportunities where they can socialize with other folks. Even if they don't do it naturally, sometimes being in an environment with other people like themselves makes it easier, more comforting to do so," said Ursula Smith, aunt of special needs teens. ​

Organizers say they will host a mini-bowling league this summer and another eight-week league next year.