AMF Offers Scholarship Funds for Youth Bowlers
New youth league named after bowling legend Dick Weber
Richmond, Va., August 30, 2005 -
AMF Bowling Centers, Inc. announced today the inaugural youth Dick Weber Scholarship League. Named for the late bowling icon, bowling enthusiasts between the ages of nine and 18 will be eligible to compete for up to $350,000 in scholarship funds.
The nationwide league will have two distinct 16-week seasons for boys and girls of different age categories and skill levels. Bowlers may participate in either season. By joining a local league, youngsters will have the opportunity to win money for their college education.
“For the past 60 years at AMF, and for the nearly five decades that Dick Weber worked for our organization, we have actively involved kids in youth bowling, and we could not be more pleased to help contribute to their future through this scholarship program,” says Merrell Wreden, AMF Bowling Worldwide Vice President of Marketing. “We were fortunate to have a long-term relationship with the greatest ambassador the game has ever seen and want to honor his lasting impact through this youth league.”
In addition to bowling in a Young American Bowlers Association-sanctioned league, members will receive an AMF Bowler Rewards card, sport towel, t-shirt and a pizza party for participating. Bowlers will have a chance to play games within the structure of the league competition, including a ‘Beat Your Coach’ In-League tournament. In tribute to Dick’s legacy, league volunteers will teach participants the fundamentals of bowling, from learning about the right ball and grip to mastering hook shots and tough spares that made Dick a champion of champions.
Throughout his 48-year relationship with AMF -- the longest in any sport for any person -- Weber was a tireless promoter of the sport. Whether it was by bowling a game in mid-air during a flight from New York to Texas, bowling on the beach in Miami or by performing trick shots on national television, Weber always brought national attention to the sport he loved.
Developing youth bowlers was always a passion for Weber, who was elected to the ABC Hall of Fame in 1970, the Professional Bowlers Association Hall of Fame in 1975 and won numerous Bowler of the Year honors. He always took time out to visit with and encourage youth bowlers. He never turned down an autograph request, and presented trophies to young bowlers at youth competitions whenever he could.
The Weber family connection to bowling and AMF continues to this day. His son Pete is a member of the Professional Bowlers Association tour and his brother Rich is an executive with AMF Bowling Worldwide.
For more information about the Dick Weber Scholarship League, visit your local AMF bowling center or www.amf.com.
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AMF Bowling Centers, Inc. is the world’s largest owner and operator of bowling alleys, with over 350 centers nationwide. Since the 1946 introduction of the automated pinspotter, AMF has been a leader in the bowling industry. Over 25 million bowling enthusiasts a year make AMF their destination, playing more than 100 million games a year. AMF is where America goes bowling. For additional information, visit www.amf.com.