DISTRICT 13 SPONSORS ANNUAL
JUNIOR BOWLING TOURNAMENT

Chicago, Illinois - District 13, PNA held its annual junior bowling tournament on Sunday, April 10, 2011 at Habletler Bowling Center in Chicago, Illinois. Commissioners Irene Hercik and Zenon Olejniczak welcomed all present and introduced the guests which included: PNA Vice President Paul C. Odrobina, PNA National Director Anna Wierzbicki, and Vice President of the Polish Women's Alliance, Sharon Zago. The children had waited for this event all year long and were anxious to get started.

The process started by registering all bowlers by Anna Wierzbicki and Wanda Juda and then assigned them to the bowling lanes. Thanks to Matt F. Matusiak, part of the District 13 Sports and Youth Committee, who put the names of the children into the computers. Fifty children gathered together accompanied by their families to play. The balls were tossed, rolled or thrown down the alley to knock down standing pins. For the youngsters who needed, bumper lanes were available so they could knock some pins down.

At the end of the tournament all children received medals for their participation. National Vice President Paul C. Odrobina, Chairman of the PNA Sports and Youth Department handed the medals out with the assistance of Director Anna Wierzbicki, and Commissioners Irene Hercik and Zenon Olejniczak. A group picture of the children was taken along with the organizers of the event. All were then treated to pizza and soda. The Easter Bunny made an appearance, and pictures were taken with him. A bag of Easter goodies was distributed to all the children present. Part of the gifts was compliments of the Polish National Alliance and the other half was donated by District 13 and the Women's Division of District 13.

Thanks to Janina Kopacz, Wanda and Jozef Penar, and Commissioners Irene Hercik and Zenon Olejniczak for preparing the bags to be distributed to all the children. All the children went home happy and could not wait the next time that there would be bowling. This year we had younger children whose older siblings used to bowl and they shared their happy memories with all. We had from ages 3 to 14 year olds bowling. Thanks to Commissioners Zenon Olejniczak and Irene Hercik for sponsoring this annual event, and to the officers of District 13, Women's Division of District 13, and members of the District 13 Sports and Youth Committee - Wanda Juda, Katie Golowacz, Alexandra Brzezinska, Anna Wierzbicki, Matt F. Matusiak, Henry Ziemba, Wanda and Jozef Penar and Joe Hercik for overseeing the event so that things ran smoothly.

Since this event was open to members and nonmembers of the PNA, a question was asked to all on whether they belonged to PNA and the majority of attendees did belong. For those that did not belong, information was given to them, or if they wanted a person who could be contacted with additional information about joining the organization.

Story by:
Anna Wierbicki,
Director, PNA

Photos by:
Wanda Juda

Total: 15 Photos

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