16TH ANNUAL BOWLING BENEFIT HELD IN FALLS CHURCH
THOUSANDS RAISED TO HELP NOVA SPECIAL OLYMPIC ATHLETES
Participants, friends and long-time supporters of Fairfax Adult Softball, Inc. (FAS) united together on Sunday, January 31st for the 16th Annual Benefit Bowling Tournament to raise funds for Northern Virginia Special Olympics and Fairfax County Park Authority field improvements. Over 250 players and volunteers came out to the Bowl America in Falls Church, and participated in the event which raises over $15,000 each year.
Special Olympics Global Messenger Kevin Ogletree once again presented the opening ceremony speech. FAS Program Director Christine Idip stated, “Kevin’s opening remarks are always energetic and inspiring and remind everyone why they are involved in such an amazing cause.” She went on to say, “Tournaments like this are what make me proud to be a part of Fairfax Adult Softball and our fundraising legacy.”
FAS President Joseph Morice agreed with Idip whole heartedly. “Each year,” he said, “I am just blown away by how many people participate, how quickly the lanes fill up, and how excited everyone is to share the day with these Special Olympians. Events like these, where our adult athletes come together in support of our community, that is why people volunteer with Fairfax Adult Softball and that is why we have managed to be a non-profit volunteer rule organization for over 40 years.”
While FAS’s bowling tournament commitment started 16 years ago, FAS has been special partners with Special Olympics since 1988 when FAS was first approached by Eunice Kennedy Shriver to assist in establishing a pilot program where Special Olympians play softball alongside our volunteers. Hundreds of Special Olympians have gained not only the enjoyment of competitive sports, but also the camaraderie, training and health benefits that only sports can offer.
Interested in becoming a part of this great program? Come experience first-hand the enjoyment that only FAS softball offers. We offer play for adult men and women in a number of different leagues across Fairfax County: Men, Women, Coed, Women’s Fast Pitch, Men’s 35+, Men’s 50+ and Church. REGISTRATION IS CURRENTLY OPEN for our 2016 Spring Season. The deadline for team applications and payments is March 5, 2016. Visit us and register online today at: www.fairfaxadultsoftball.com
