Students Bowl For Their Future

The Riverdale Youth Scholarship Bowling League has found a way for children to have fun and save for college simultaneously.

For the last four years, the league has helped students create a scholarship fund for their college education all while they have fun with others and learn how to bowl, said Hazel Wallace, co-coordinator of the bowling league, and Virginia resident.

"The children gain confidence and friends," Wallace said. "And volunteer coaches help them learn how to bowl."

Through the program, children ages 3 to 19 learn the basics of bowling and lane courtesy. They are able to gauge their yearly progress and each receives an award at the end of year. Last year the group had 64 children participate.

Danny Bell, of Washington D.C., who volunteers as a coach and has children in the league, said that bowling teaches children patience.

"There are always these little pitfalls, once you do your roll, you've done your best," Bell said. "You can't get caught up in the end results and there's always a chance to fix the mistake."

His children, ages 11 and 14, don't find bowling boring because even though it may seem repetitive the nature of the game is never the same.

For the scholarship, a portion of the child's weekly bowling fee goes to a fund in their name through the U.S. Bowling Congress, said Lisa Clarke-Bell, co-coordinator of the league, and Bowie resident.

"They can only get the money when they graduate from high school," Clarke-Bell said. "The money must also be given directly to a college."

Although the scholarship money is important, she said the best thing children gain is confidence.

"Last year they all bowled in tournaments, and each child placed," Clarke-Bell said. "They learn to be fun and lighthearted but competitive, too."

The children bowl on Saturday mornings at 10 a.m. at Rinaldi Bowling Lanes off Kenilworth Avenue. There is no limit to the number of children in the program and sign-ups begin Aug. 28 and they don't have to be residents of Riverdale Park.

To sign up for the league, contact Hazel Wallace at (703) 606-6203 or Lisa Clarke-Bell at (202) 246-4268. The yearly fee is $17, and each week the children pay a bowling fee. Amounts vary depending on age.