About the M5PBA

Len Isleifson has been a dedicated leader in the Canadian five-pin bowling community for over two decades. He served as 1st Vice-President of the Manitoba 5 Pin Bowlers’ Association (M5PBA) from 2000 to 2004 before becoming President from 2004 to 2011. His commitment extended nationally when he took on the role of 1st Vice-President of the Canadian 5 Pin Bowlers’ Association (C5PBA) from 2007 to 2016, and again from 2020 to 2021.

In addition to his executive roles, Len contributed to the strategic direction of the sport as Director of Strategic Planning for the Bowling Federation of Canada (BFC) from 2007 to 2016. He also served as Assistant Tournament Director for the M5PBA in 2020–2021.

Currently, Len holds dual presidencies: President of the C5PBA since 2021 and President of the M5PBA since 2022, continuing his long-standing commitment to the sport and its development at both provincial and national levels.

Marilyn McMullan has been a prominent figure in Canadian five-pin bowling, contributing significantly as both a coach and administrator. She served as President of the Manitoba 5 Pin Bowlers’ Association (M5PBA) for many years, leading many efforts to promote and develop the sport.

As a coach, Marilyn played a pivotal role in guiding Manitoba's youth teams to national success. Notably, she co-coached the Manitoba team that clinched gold at the 2010 Youth Challenge Nationals in Edmonton. Her coaching excellence continued with the 2011 team, which also achieved national recognition with another Gold.

In recognition of her enduring dedication and impact on the sport, Marilyn was honored with the C5PBA Lifetime Achievement Award, celebrating her outstanding service to five-pin bowling in Canada. She was also honored as a Life-Time member of the M5PBA for her dedication to those within Manitoba.

Marilyn is currently the 1st Vice President of the M5PBA and is dedicated to maintaining the membership program for the province of Manitoba.

Sylvia Swanepoel began her bowling journey in 1977 and has been a dedicated force in the sport ever since. As an Intro to Competition Coach and Learning Facilitator for both Community Coach and Intro to Comp levels, as well as for Officials, Sylvia has played a pivotal role in developing future generations of bowlers.

In 1991, she took over as Manager of Carberry Lanes and launched the YBC Program, sparking youth involvement in the community.

Since 1992, Sylvia has held numerous positions on both the Westman and Manitoba 5 Pin Bowlers’ Association Boards. Her lifelong commitment has been recognized with several honors, including becoming a Life Member of the Westman 5 Pin Bowlers’ Association in 2008 and the Manitoba 5 Pin Bowlers’ Association in 2017. In 2010, she was awarded the prestigious C5 Ernie Roggie Grassroots Coach of the Year Award, highlighting her impact at the grassroots level of the sport.

Sylvia continues to be a respected leader, mentor, and advocate within the bowling community.

Karen Armstrong currently serves as the Assistant Tournament Director for the M5PBA (Manitoba 5 Pin Bowlers Association). A dedicated and passionate contributor to the sport, Karen also plays a vital role in supporting the organization’s technical portfolio, helping ensure the smooth operation and integrity of events and competitions.

With an impressive 52 years of bowling experience, Karen has been a competitive bowler since 1992, bringing both skill and sportsmanship to the lanes. Her leadership extends beyond competition, as she is also the President of the Winnipeg 5 Pin Bowlers Association, where she champions local bowling initiatives and fosters community engagement in the sport.

Karen's enduring commitment to five-pin bowling and her extensive experience both on and off the lanes make her a respected and valued figure in the bowling community.

Laurie Kohinski is a dedicated and accomplished 5-pin bowler with years of experience competing at both local and provincial levels. Known for her precision, sportsmanship, and passion for the game, Laurie has earned recognition within the bowling community for her consistent performance and leadership.

Whether mentoring new bowlers or representing her league in tournaments, she brings enthusiasm and skill to every frame.

Laurie has been involved in her capacity as Treasurer for Manitoba for a number of years and has recently stepped into the role of Team Manager for our Inter-Provincial contingent at a national level. She is a valuable member of the M5PBA and all those in Manitoba.