9th Annual Adaptive Sports Bowl-A-Thon Raises $30,000 for Disability Programs
The Memorial Rehab Adaptive Sports & Recreation Bowl-A-Thon successfully raised over $30,000 to support year-round adaptive sports and recreation programs for individuals with physical disabilities, highlighting the community's commitment to inclusion and accessibility.
The 9th Annual Adaptive Sports & Recreation Bowl-A-Thon achieved significant success, raising more than $30,000 to support children and adults with physical disabilities through expanded adaptive sports, fitness, and recreation programs. Co-sponsored by Memorial Foundation and Memorial Rehabilitation Institute, the event brought together nearly 400 bowlers and community partners at Sparez Bowling Lanes, demonstrating strong community support for disability inclusion initiatives.
This substantial fundraising outcome enables the Memorial Rehab Adaptive Sports & Recreation Program to continue its growth, providing essential services including adaptive water sports, fitness classes, community events, and support groups. The funds directly address financial barriers by covering equipment costs, transportation, and entry fees, ensuring that adaptive athletes of all ages can participate fully in programming regardless of their economic circumstances.
Kelley Morris, president of the Memorial and Joe DiMaggio Children's Hospital Foundations, emphasized the impact of community generosity, stating that every dollar raised creates opportunities for individuals with physical disabilities to thrive. The program serves individuals living with disabilities resulting from stroke, spinal cord or brain injury, amputation, and other conditions, offering year-round adaptive therapy and recreational sports that promote independence, emotional recovery, and community reintegration.
The event's success was supported by numerous sponsors including Memorial Hospital Pembroke Medical Staff, Strive Recreational Therapy, OPC Prosthetic Centers, and Hanger Clinic, among others. The Memorial Foundation, which played a leading role in organizing the Bowl-A-Thon, raises philanthropic funds to support patients and families while underwriting programs, facilities, and equipment throughout the Memorial Healthcare System. More information about the foundation's work can be found at https://mhs.net/give-back/memorial-foundation.
Activities supported by the program include wheelchair tennis, adaptive bowling, cycling, rowing, mountain biking, and fishing, serving participants in both inpatient and outpatient settings. The continued expansion of these offerings addresses critical gaps in accessible recreation, providing meaningful opportunities for physical activity and social connection that are often limited for individuals with disabilities. Additional details about the annual Bowl-A-Thon are available at https://memorialrehabbowlathon.org.
The $30,000 raised represents a significant investment in community health and disability inclusion, ensuring that financial limitations do not prevent participation in therapeutic and recreational activities that enhance quality of life. This successful event underscores the importance of corporate and community partnerships in supporting accessible programming that promotes physical and emotional well-being for individuals facing physical challenges.