Nearly 400 bowlers and community partners gathered at Sparez Bowling Lanes for the 9th Annual Memorial Rehab Adaptive Sports & Recreation Bowl-A-Thon, raising more than $30,000 to support children and adults with physical disabilities. The event, co-sponsored by Memorial Foundation and Memorial Rehabilitation Institute, will fund the expansion of year-round adaptive sports, fitness, and recreation programs that help participants overcome financial barriers to participation.
The funds raised will cover equipment costs, transportation, and entry fees for adaptive athletes of all ages, ensuring that financial obstacles don't prevent individuals with physical disabilities from engaging in therapeutic and recreational activities. The Memorial Rehab Adaptive Sports & Recreation Program offers adaptive water sports, fitness classes, community events, and support groups throughout the year, serving individuals living with physical disabilities resulting from stroke, spinal cord or brain injury, amputation, and other conditions. Activities include wheelchair tennis, adaptive bowling, cycling, rowing, mountain biking, and fishing, helping participants in both inpatient and outpatient settings achieve independence, emotional recovery, and community reintegration.
Kelley Morris, president of the Memorial and Joe DiMaggio Children's Hospital Foundations, emphasized the impact of community support, stating that every dollar raised creates opportunities for individuals with physical disabilities to thrive. The event's success was supported by numerous community sponsors including Memorial Hospital Pembroke Medical Staff, Strive Recreational Therapy, OPC Prosthetic Centers, and Hanger Clinic. The Memorial Foundation, which played a leading role in organizing the bowl-a-thon, raises philanthropic funds to assist patients and families while underwriting programs, facilities, and equipment throughout the Memorial Healthcare System. More information about the foundation is available at https://mhs.net/give-back/memorial-foundation.
For HR vendors, this story highlights the growing importance of adaptive sports programs in employee wellness and community engagement. As companies increasingly focus on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), supporting initiatives like the Memorial Rehab Adaptive Sports & Recreation Program can enhance corporate social responsibility efforts and attract talent seeking purpose-driven employers. Vendors offering benefits management, wellness platforms, or employee assistance programs may find opportunities to partner with such foundations to provide adaptive recreation benefits to employees with disabilities or family members.
The continued growth of these adaptive sports programs demonstrates the community's commitment to inclusion and providing meaningful opportunities for individuals with physical disabilities to lead active, engaged lives. Those interested in participating in future events or learning more about the annual bowl-a-thon can find additional details at https://memorialrehabbowlathon.org.
