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Jump to: Creative Arts Festival
The medical care helps restore their physical self. But events like the Creative Arts Festival and Re-Creation help restore the soul...the person.
Jay Mueller, President Re-Creation USA, Inc. |
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I recently volunteered at the bowling portion of the National Wheelchair Games. Those volunteers who stood back, waiting for someone to ask for help, were the losers. But those who stepped up and anticipated a need won more than any medal.
Lisa Vint Team USA 1994 |
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On behalf of the Greater Pasadena (Tex.) USBC, thank you for the opportunity to represent BVL at the Veterans Golden Age Games which were held here in August.
One of the athletes in attendance spoke on behalf of all the participants and thanked the entire group of sponsors in attendance for the continued support and that "... the Games would not be possible without the sponsors, and the veteran athletes would not have the opportunity to compete in the Games."
DAVID FIELDS President, Greater Pasadena USBC Association (and the BVL for 1 night) |
People often speak of military men and women leaving behind families, jobs etc., as they adopt the mission set before them by their country and honor. We in Re-Creation take this sacrifice seriously...and pay tribute to these heroes at every turn. Our visit to the Creative Arts Festival, though, cast a new light as to the extent of this sacrifice...in the spirit of duty, our veterans also left behind their "talents."
Yes, their artistic dreams and self-expression through art, music, dance, writing! Only events like the Creative Arts Festival allow the opportunity for the veteran patient to re-capture the joy of painting, sculpting, singing...creating! And they are superlative! Grammy winners, nationally-recognized artisans, poets all!
Looking for a feel good volunteer opportunity? Look no further than the National Wheelchair Games!
I approached each bowler and asked what I could do to make his or her experience more enjoyable. Most appreciated having the ball brought to them at the foul line each shot, something my shoulders felt for several days. Another bowler's seatbelt strap was hanging down so I warned that it might interfere with his arm swing. Just starting a conversation by asking where they were from or what other events they were competing in showed you genuinely cared.
My last shift we had four bowlers on a pair. Just imagine four wheelchairs on the approach sometime. We eventually turned it into a well-synchronized ballet including lots of cheering and high-fives. By the time we finished, each bowler wanted a picture of the group of athletes and volunteers.
One of the bowlers had just recently come back from Iraq. When he first came in he was quiet and withdrawn. By the time we were done, he was smiling and his girlfriend had tears in her eyes. As his newfound mentor said, "We may not win any medals, but no one had more fun than us!" And that was what it all was about!
The VA and those involved with the Games management were all aware of BVL and we were identified as "the Bowlers" immediately... we were approached by several representatives and profusely thanked for BVL's support... of course, as President of our local Association, I was widely regarded as the "President of the BVL"... I apologize for the impersonation, but, it ended up just being easier to go along with the general consensus... 
BVL was easily recognized by all involved, and we were generously thanked for our longtime support. The Director of the Games and several VA bigwigs sought us out to express their gratitude at the continued support.
As a longtime bowler, but not involved in bowling government for that many years, I can tell you... my respect for the BVL was greatly enhanced after seeing the results of our fund raisers and donations in action. Even though we were personally the benefactors of a nice night out, I can tell you, the bowling industry, USBC and especially, BVL, was held in high regard by all involved and our sponsorship was greatly appreciated. I have a new respect for the BVL, and again, I thank you on behalf of our Greater Pasadena USBC Association for the opportunity to represent the BVL at the Golden Age Games. 
While my work schedule prevented me from attending the bowling competition during the games, I know that the opportunity to compete in bowling at this level was a great thrill for all the veterans and we were proud to be a part of making the lives of these veterans much brighter. |
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