ARLINGTON, Texas – The local store of national clothing retailer Old Navy has provided a $1,000 grant to The Bowling Foundation to purchase a mobile bowling kit for the Special Olympics in Arlington.

The grant is part of a pilot program for grant-giving from corporate headquarters. It seeks to provide contributions to a community that is long lasting with continual results and positive effect.

"This is a great example of how companies can partner with bowling to expand the benefits of the sport as a healthy, lifelong activity for people of all ages and abilities.” said The Bowling Foundation Executive Director Troy Greisen. “These mobile bowling kits could be in every school and gym across the country."

The mobile bowling kit includes a set of carpeted lanes, rubberized plastic bowling balls and pins, along with instructional materials for coaches/teachers to introduce the sport of bowling.

"We are pleased to award this grant to The Bowling Foundation and Special Olympics in our community,” said Arlington Parks Mall Old Navy store manager Donna Tufts. “We hope to see the benefits of the bowling equipment we are giving long term and for thousands of Special Olympics athletes and other school children over the next several years."

Working with a local Special Olympics program in Arlington area, the Arlington Parks Mall Old Navy store and TBF teamed up for a day of fun for the Special Olympics athletes and their school to officially award the kits and try out the new lanes. Store employees joined in on the bowling as well as some of the Special Olympics athletes' school mates who are part of the "Meet in the Middle" school program launched recently by Special Olympics North America.

"Meet in the Middle" targets the growth and development of interactive, inclusive, supportive activities promoting Special Olympics initiatives between typically developing students and students with intellectual disabilities.

About The Bowling Foundation

The mission of the foundation is to enhance the lives of others through the sport of bowling, particularly reaching out toward youth, those less fortunate, underprivileged or in need, giving them increased chance for success, health, fitness and the joy of sport; while fostering bowling across all sectors of society and the world.

As the charitable arm of bowling, the foundation is fully supported by the leading entities for the sport including the United States Bowling Congress, Bowling Proprietors’ Association of America, the Bowling Proprietors Association International, Strike Ten Entertainment, Professional Bowlers Association, International Bowling Pro Shop & Instructors Association, Bowling Writers Association of America and many others including manufacturers, media and local bowling entities. For more information: visit bowlingfoundation.org or contact us at info@bowlingfoundation.org or (888) 302-8122.

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