Bowling for scholarships

Here's a twist on the usual scholarship offerings.  The Morning Optimist Club of St. Cloud, MN sponsors a bowling tournament where junior bowlers compete for scholarships.  The twist?  There are a few:  First, there is a $20 entry fee and bowlers may enter more than once and in different divisions.  Scholarships of $150, $100, and $50 are given to the top three bowlers in each category.

The St. Cloud Optimist Club has been sponsoring this event for three years.  They start with $3,000 and then attract more money from entry fees.  Almost $11,000 has been given away so far. 

According to the Optimist Club spokesperson this is a great event for juniors because "there is a dress code, with a penalty of 20 pins per game for non-compliance: Slacks and collared shirts or USBC shirt; no holes, frays or bad hems; no caps, shorts, skirts, sunglasses, tank tops or sleeveless shirts."

The bowling tournament teaches discipline and builds self esteem and sportsmanship while allowing children the opportunity to compete for meaningful prizes.  Building character in our young people and helping them reach their potential are some of the reasons to belong to an Optimist Club.  It's interesting to learn how bowling can further the Optimist International mission of bringing out the best in children.