ARLINGTON, Texas - As part of International Bowling Campus’ (IBC) continuing effort to help enhance the lives of others through the sport of bowling, the Bowler’s Ed program awards six grants in the form of mobile bowling equipment to schools and organizations across the country.

The Mobile Bowling Equipment program annually helps schools, parks and recreation departments, youth groups, disabled and disadvantaged service groups and other organizations teach students the lifelong sport of bowling though education, instruction, fitness and fun.

Students who might be unable to compete on another playing field can find athletic success in bowling. Not only can the Bowler’s Ed program impact children in a physical education class, but it also brings a unique activity to school-wide and community events.

“We received many strong applications this year and are excited to continually see our efforts support individual schools, entire districts and organizations providing opportunities for kids to discover and develop their potential,” said Elizabeth Sienicki, IBC Youth Development Director of Youth Marketing/Projects.   

The grants are awarded in the form of bowling kits (value $1,200 each) which include six carpeted bowling lanes, rubberized balls and pins, and instructional DVDs to assist coaches and teachers.  

Schools receiving the first round of equipment awards in 2015 are:

• Dell Rapids Elementary School - Dell Rapids, South Dakota
• El Paso Exploreum Children’s Museum - El Paso, Texas
• Kansas Public Schools Healthy & Fit Committee - Kansas, Oklahoma
• Norwich Public Schools -  Norwich, Connecticut
• Via Services - Santa Clara, California
• Spooner Area School District - Spooner, Wisconsin

Sienicki said many schools are dealing with budgets cut, and the grants help provide some small financial relief “to help maintain and improve the resources they need to continue to enrich the lives of our children.”

“Bowling is an American pastime and one of the few sports you can do your entire lifetime,” Sienicki said. “It’s our honor to help out those who teach our children to be active and healthy for today and tomorrow.”

Public or private educational institutions with grades K-8 or 501(c) 3 non-profit organizations serving youth in grades K-8 are eligible to receive the annual grants. An organization is eligible to receive funding once every three years; individuals are not eligible to apply or receive awards.

For more information on the program or to learn how schools and organizations can partner with Bowler’s Ed to benefit their school, project and/or charity, email bowlersed@ibcyouth.com.