U.S. Games
Bowlers Take Center Stage in a Fun and Friendly Competition
By Lora Wilson
Sunday, July 14, 2008 — There were high anxieties as team bowling got a late start this morning at two locations across the road from one another. A brief delay allowed participants from the 5K race to make their way to the bowling centers. Teams of two men each or two ladies each competed, with the age bracket being determined by the youngest member of each duo. The mixed (male/female) teams bowled in the afternoon.
Team Pittsburgh has nearly 40 registered bowlers, many of whom have met regularly to practice since the 2006 games. As time for the games got closer, the frequency of practices increased from weekly to several times a week for some members. The team wears a custom-designed black and gold shirt, featuring a donate life bowling pin on the back, stitched with each team member's name by Robin Wisniewski, mother of kidney recipient Kari.
As bowling got underway, there were plenty of high fives and fist bumps among the bowlers, and encouraging cheers from the spectators who delighted in everyone's successes. The energetic Team Wisconsin cheerleaders rang their cowbells and slapped plastic hand clappers together to whoop it up for their duos, and even perfected a wave maneuver. Pin seekers enhanced their collections with the much sought after Heinz ketchup and pickle pins, and other rare finds. Heart recipient Christy Williams attracted attention with her anatomically correct heart bowling ball.
Preliminary results show Team Pittsburgh bowlers earning three medals in various age brackets: Kari Wisniewski and Romona Hanlon took gold, Tina Rothermel and Darla Chiodo claimed silver and Michael (Wayne) Meyers and Rudy Molnar finished with gold. Team captain Robb Wilson reminded his team that while they will not all win medals, they are here at the games to make new friends and have fun. “Never say we are just bowling. We need to remind all that we received the gift of life, and it has allowed us to do more than we ever thought possible.”
See photos from the event here.
