Longtime Bowling Owner Honored With Lifetime Achievement For The Sport

ROCKVILLE CENTRE, NY — John LaSpina, the president of Maple Family Centers, was recognized with the prestigious Sam Levine Flowers for the Living Award.

LaSpina, who owns and operates five bowling centers with his family, including Maple Lanes in Rockville Centre, was given the trophy recently at the International Bowl Expo in Las Vegas.

The annual award is given to one person who has made exceptional contributions over many years to enhance the growth, welfare and image of bowling.

A former president of the Bowling Proprietors' Association of America, LaSpina chairs the Bowlers to Veterans Link (BVL), the bowling industry's national charity.

"I was completely surprised," LaSpina said. "I ran up and croaked out a few words to the 1,500
people who were there. But I continue to remind everyone that our veterans paid a price for our
freedom. Bowlers are free to play a game,[and] families like mine are free to run a business for 62
years. Our business will always continue to honor veterans by supporting the Bowlers to
Veterans Link."

Since 1942, BVL has raised more than $55 million for recreational therapy programs and other services to speed recuperation and boost morale.