Bowling honors veterans

Since yesterday was Veterans Day, it is only fitting that we devote some time to learning about Bowlers to Veterans Link, sometimes referred to as the BVL. The BVL is a national non-profit organization founded by the sport of bowling to support America's hospitalized veterans and active duty troops.

BVL is bowling's oldest and most successful charity and Prince William County bowlers have a history of contributing generously. It is the only national sports organization specifically devoted to veterans and has raised millions of dollars for veterans in need. Its board of directors is comprised of representatives from the United States Bowling Congress (USBC) and the Bowling Proprietors Association of America (BPAA).

What the BVL provides

BVL supports veterans recuperating in 155 Veterans Affairs medical centers, 209 vet centers and 133 state veterans homes. For veterans in these establishments, BVL provides arts and crafts programs, music and sports activities, reading materials, board games and much more to help boost their spirits, speed recuperation and improve morale.

Today, BVL's contributions not only serve hospitalized veterans, but also outpatient veterans, veterans suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder and aging veterans. BVL's support gives them an outlet for the joy and friendship that recreation and sport can bring. Since BVL's inception, over $35 million has been raised by participating bowling associations including our own Nation's Capital Area Association.

The link to bowlers

Naturally, Bowlers to Veterans Link supports bowling programs nationwide and helps maintain bowling lanes and equipment at 40 VA medical centers. The organization brings in celebrity bowlers who provide bowling clinics to introduce new methods of bowling for the physically challenged.

For the last 64 years, the BVL in conjunction with the VA, has operated a mail-in bowling tournament for veterans. Local bowling associations assist hospital personnel with this event, for which BVL provides coordination and both team and individual awards. Scores are mailed in to the BVL headquarters where they are tabulated and winners are announced.

Network

America's bowlers currently raise about $1 million annually through bowling tournaments, raffles and special events. There are local BVL programs in more than 1,200 communities throughout the U.S. BVL local volunteers not only raise money for America's veterans but also spend countless hours volunteering their time at veterans' facilities to organize games and events and coordinate bowling programs.

History

The BVL was founded in 1942 by a group of caring and concerned bowlers who promised, "We will not forget about the sacrifices made by America's service men and women."

BVL's first campaign during World War II raised money to purchase medical supplies and two evacuation planes to ferry the wounded home from the battlefields of Europe. They supported the dependents of those killed during Operation Desert Storm with academic scholarships for college. The organization has shipped more than 550 portable carpet bowling lane kits to active duty troops in Iraq, Afghanistan and a host of other places, including to the USS Enterprise and USS Ronald Reagan.

Contributions

Contributions to BVL can be made by contacting the BVL at 11350 Random Hills Road, Suite 800, Fairfax, VA 22030. Their phone number is 703-934-6039, fax is 703-591-3049. They can also be reached by e-mail at BVL@BowlforVeterans.org or on their Web site at

www.bowlforveterans.org.

Gil Sanchez is a freelance bowling writer for the News & Messenger. He is a member of the Bowling Writers Association of America and the United States Bowling Congress Advisory Council. Reach him at 703-587-6792 or at gsanchez@insidenova.com.