2007 NATIONAL BOWLING TOURNAMENT-
A NEW CHAPTER IN PNA HISTORY

Chicago, Illinois - The Polish National Alliance 61st Bowling Tournament was held for the first time ever west of the Mississippi River and held in Las Vegas, Nevada on April 9, 10 and 11, 2007, at the South Point Lanes in the South Point Hotel and Casino. The week rejoined friends, spectators and new bowlers to the annual event.

Wednesday, before the 12:00 noon squad, the official opening ceremonies took place at the South Point Lanes. PNA Bowling Coordinator Robert Jadach greeted the crowd and introduced PNA Vice President Paul C. Odrobina who welcomed the bowlers and the many dignitaries attending, including, Directors, Joseph Kaminski, Allan Szuflada, Anna Wierzbicki, Marian Grabowski and Richard Kobzi, along with Commissioner of District 8, Richard Tyszkiewicz. Mr. Odrobina then introduced PNA President Frank Spula who also welcomed the bowlers. President Spula and Vice President Odrobina rolled out the first ball to officially start the tournament. Also attending the opening ceremonies was President of the Polish Roman Catholic Union, Wallace Ozog along with his wife Joanne.

Keeping with tradition, the winning men and ladies team from the 2006 Tournament were awarded their 1st Place plaques at the opening ceremonies. The men's team, Super Steelers are from Lodge 352, McKeesport, Pennsylvania and the ladies team, Bob-E-Lanes are from Lodges 3073 and 1758 from Milwaukee, Wisconsin and Warren, Michigan. Both teams were attending the tournament and were presented their awards by the members of the Sports and Youth Committee.

This year during the Wednesday team event, Rich Shuba from Lodge 1746 in Canonsburg, Pennsylvania rolled a perfect 300 game. President Spula and Vice President Odrobina congratulated him and presented him with a bonus check for $1,000.00 from the Sports and Youth Department. Rich is the 11th Bowler to bowl a perfect 300 game. This was the 3rd perfect game that Rich has ever bowled. He has attended every Bowling Tournament since his first one back in 1977. The following day, Bob Bittke of Lodge 3231 in Lemont, Illinois just missed a 300 game, bowling 299 in his singles events.

The PNA Sports and Youth Committee would like to thank all the bowlers and guest for attending this years tournament, the volunteers who sold the raffle tickets, and the staff at South Point Lanes for their generous hospitality and support. We hope that everyone had fun while they were in Las Vegas.

Vice President Paul Odrobina said that there is still time for Lodges, Councils or Districts to submit a bid to host the 2008 National Bowling Tournament. Requests should be mailed as soon as possible to the PNA Sports and Youth Department. Details for next years tournament will be given later in the year. Watch the Zgoda and the PNA website for further details.

Story by:
Robert M. Jadach

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FROM THE 2007 BOWLING TOURNAMENT