U.S. Games
Cheers and Laughter Fill the Lanes in the 70+ Bowling Competition
By Lora Wilson
The three women competing in the ladies 70+ bowling competition this morning were sure winners. Though each was assured a medal for simply finishing, they demonstrated a friendly, but competitive, spirit.
Dorothy Duckworh from Louisville, KY, will celebrate seven years with her new liver tomorrow. She was given only one month to live when the generosity of donor Angela Hayden allowed her to reclaim her life. Coincidentally, Dorothy has a daughter Angela and another daughter married a man named Hayden. “I bowl for my donor,” she said. Dorothy earned gold in doubles bowling earlier in the competition. This is her fourth time at the games.
When Dorothy rolled a gutter on her first ball, her husband of 24 years, Charles quipped, “That’s it; throw them off!” They met through a widowers’ group and have 8 children, 16 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren between them. Not to be topped, North Texan and heart recipient Charlene Conger exclaimed, “If we get to count stepchildren, I have 10 children, 26 grandchildren and 8 greats!”
“Things are always bigger in Texas,” replied Dorothy.
Charline received her transplant 19 years ago and has won 3 bronze medals at previous games. She has been looking forward to getting into the 70+ category. “I do okay for an old broad,” she said. “The best thing is that we’re able to do it.”
Team Wisconsin kidney recipient Patricia Biederwolf had the largest cheering session. Husband Eugene was fairly quiet—except for his prized cowbell. Dorothy was cheered on by her donor, Sue Lamb (her husband’s cousin) and her husband. Sue saw Dorothy getting sick and offered her kidney four years ago. “God game me two kidneys so I could share one,” she remarked. Looking around at the many healthy bowlers, she said, “We made this possible for them.”
The ladies started game three with each rolling a strike. Petite Dorothy rolls an 8 lb. ball, while Charline has gradually reduced to an 11 lb. ball. Patricia was a powerhouse, consistently clocking at over 12 miles per hour with her 12 lb. ball. After tying Charline in the first game, Patricia came on strong in the third to throw three strikes in a row and earn a gold medal for Team Wisconsin with a 438 series. Charline won silver with her 355, and Dorothy claimed bronze with a 288.
See photos from the event here.
See photos from the event here.
