Three Years, $33,000-Plus Won

EAST HARTFORD, Conn. – The Connecticut ICS Youth Bowling League has reached a milestone after only three years in operation: Its bowlers have won more than $33,000 in scholarship funds, primarily through successes in local and regional tournaments.

Their victories in last month’s Greater Central Connecticut USBC Youth Open pushed the tally across the $33,000 threshold, a combined total that has been steadily growing since the parent-run league launched in fall 2023 at Bowlero Silver Lanes in East Hartford.

The most recent winnings include multiple awards for championships and high showings in the GCC tournament’s teams, doubles, and singles divisions. Two of the league’s bowlers also won the overall All-Events male and female titles, achieving the highest combined handicap pinfall across all categories.

They are among scores of current and alumni Connecticut ICS league members who have won scholarship awards since fall 2023 to help reach the cumulative $33,000-plus threshold. Some allocations have been as modest as $25; others have been in the many hundreds of dollars.

Helping young bowlers win scholarships is one of many ways in which the Connecticut ICS league “Invests in Children’s Success (ICS),” starting with creating a welcoming community for participants of all skill levels and backgrounds, said James Adkins, the league’s president and head coach.

“Our number one goal is to be sure that the kids are having fun, growing in the sport of bowling, and know they’re surrounded by friends and adults who are their biggest cheerleaders,” he said.

That atmosphere sets the foundation for the bowlers to feel comfortable in casual competition against their friends in the league, and builds their confidence to try more challenging local and statewide tournaments if they’re interested, Adkins adds.

“They’re so proud when they win scholarship awards in tournaments, no matter what the amount,” Adkins added. “Whether it’s $20 or $200, every scholarship award helps to build a nest egg for their families toward expenses they’re likely to encounter after high school.”

The parent-run Connecticut ICS Youth Bowling League includes bowlers of all skill levels from ages 5 to 18, and operates on Saturday mornings from September through April.

It also will offer a weekly summer adult/child league this year on Wednesday evenings starting May 6 at Silver Lanes, open to all experienced and novice bowlers.

In addition to external winnings, part of the Connecticut ICS league bowlers’ awards since 2023 also came from the league itself for victories in internal tournaments. The league also awards $250 scholarships upon graduation to members who meet certain participation requirements.

All scholarships are supported by fundraising, sponsorships, and other philanthropy to the organization, which is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit and welcomes support to help achieve its goal of Investing in Children’s Success (ICS).

All scholarship winnings granted to youth bowlers are held by the United States Bowling Congress (USBC) in secure accounts that the recipients can use for college expenses, trade and vocational programs, and related post-secondary education.

For more information or to register for the adult/youth league, visit the Connecticut ICS Youth Bowling League’s webpage at ctyouthbowling.org, or reach out by email to:

ConnecticutYouthBowlingLeague@gmail.com