9th Annual Adaptive Sports Bowl-A-Thon Raises $30,000 for Disability Programs

The 9th Annual Adaptive Sports & Recreation Bowl-A-Thon achieved significant success in supporting children and adults with physical disabilities, raising more than $30,000 through community participation. Nearly 400 bowlers and community partners gathered at Sparez Bowling Lanes for the event co-sponsored by Memorial Foundation and Memorial Rehabilitation Institute, demonstrating strong community support for adaptive sports initiatives.

Funds raised will directly benefit the Memorial Rehab Adaptive Sports & Recreation Program, enabling expansion of year-round adaptive sports, fitness, and recreation opportunities. The program serves individuals with physical disabilities resulting from various conditions including stroke, spinal cord or brain injury, and amputation. Activities supported include adaptive water sports, wheelchair tennis, cycling, rowing, mountain biking, and fishing programs designed to promote independence and community reintegration.

Kelley Morris, president of the Memorial and Joe DiMaggio Children's Hospital Foundations, emphasized that every dollar raised creates opportunities for individuals with physical disabilities to thrive. The event reflects the community's generosity and shared commitment to inclusion and hope for participants facing physical challenges. Financial support helps cover equipment costs, transportation, and entry fees, eliminating economic barriers that might otherwise prevent participation.

The Bowl-A-Thon's success was supported by numerous sponsors including Memorial Hospital Pembroke Medical Staff, Strive Recreational Therapy, OPC Prosthetic Centers, and Hanger Clinic. Additional support came from Greenpoint Building, Memorial Hospital Miramar Medical Staff, Genset Fire and Security, and Price Family Foundation. These community partnerships underscore the broad-based support for adaptive sports programming throughout the region.

The Memorial Foundation, which played a leading role in organizing the event, raises philanthropic funds to assist patients and families while underwriting program costs throughout the Memorial Healthcare System. Community members interested in supporting these efforts can find additional information at https://mhs.net/give-back/memorial-foundation. Those specifically interested in the annual bowling event can visit https://memorialrehabbowlathon.org for details about future participation opportunities.

The program's comprehensive approach addresses both physical and emotional recovery needs, helping participants in both inpatient and outpatient settings achieve greater independence. By providing structured recreational opportunities alongside traditional therapy, the adaptive sports program supports holistic healing and community connection for individuals navigating physical disabilities.