A few years ago I approached the directors of the local junior bowling program with an idea which they were happy to accept and implement. To help keep kids interested in the sport, I wanted to get bowling balls into the hands of those who did not already have one and would possibly drop out because of not being able to compete with those kids who already had their own. The directors set up a point program which included points for attendance, sportsmanship, and scores. Beginning bowling balls would be awarded once a month and would start a couple of months into the season to allow time for points to be earned. Made arrangements with the proshop owner who was one of the directors to get balls at his cost. I donated about $150 to get it started and found another bowler who donated $100 and we had a couple of others who chipped in.
The program was a success in helping to keep kids interested in bowling. A couple of kids who were talking of dropping out won a ball and came back the following season. Kids who already had their own equipment would use the won ball as a spare ball. Plus with the sportsman points, behavior on the lanes is better. The next two seasons I donated $200 each, figured I could donate the cost of what I would pay for a ball. With the beginners balls costing something like $40-50, that would pay for a few. This season I asked if they needed a donation, but they said they have enough left over to cover this year's. They've been running 50-50 ticket sales during the regular leagues to help cover the cost.
--------------------
I am the SGT Schultz of bowling.
"I know nothing!"
