North American Bowling News
PBA Partners with Special Olympics Washington in 'Bowl for the Gold 2009'
The Professional Bowlers Association recently teamed up with Special Olympics Washington to conduct the "Bowl for the Gold 2009" fundraiser, held on Nov. 22 at Brunswick Majestic Lanes in Lynnwood, Washington. The fundraiser was directed toward supporting sport and competition opportunities for more than 7,000 registered Special Olympics athletes in Washington.
"With bowling as one of Special Olympics' most popular sports, we are looking forward to working with Special Olympics Washington to conduct a fun, first-class event that supports athletic opportunities for many people of all ages," said PBA Commissioner Fred Schreyer, prior to the event. "We are also especially proud to be involved with an event that is being conducted in the Seattle area, the home of PBA and its owners."
Special Olympics is an international organization that improves lives by encouraging and empowering people with intellectual disabilities, promoting acceptance for all and fostering communities of understanding and respect worldwide. Founded in 1968 by Eunice Kennedy Shriver, the Special Olympics movement has grown from a few hundred to nearly 3.1 million athletes, participating in 228 programs in all regions of the world. The organization provides year-round sports training, athletic competition, medical care, family support, education, and many other programs. The benefits from Special Olympics can be seen everyday, changing the lives of people with intellectual disabilities around the world in regions from the Middle East to the community playgrounds and ball fields in every small neighborhood in the United States. Special Olympics provides people with intellectual disabilities continuing opportunities to realize their potential, develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage, and experience joy and friendship. Bowling is one of more than 30 Special Olympic sports available to its athletes.
"We are honored to partner with PBA for this event and we know our athletes will greatly benefit from their support," said Special Olympics Washington CEO Beth Wojick. "I know our athletes will be very excited to meet the PBA players and to have an opportunity to learn from them."
Open to anyone, the "Bowl for the Gold 2009" fundraiser format consisted of teams with four or five players with each team member asked to raise or donate at least $50. All participants who raised or donated $100 or more received an official Bowl for the Gold T-Shirt. PBA pros Dean Buchanan and Adam Ahmad were on hand to participate in the event.
By participating in sports, physical fitness and healthcare education programs, Special Olympics Washington athletes increase self-confidence and social skills, improve physical and motor skills, and have better success in leading more productive and independent lives.