Character, sportsmanship and social skills all come into play as more than 1,800 YouthQuest students took to the lanes for a day of “Strikes & Spares” on Saturday, February 12. The event was held at Bowl Flint – B’s Bowling Center, Nightingale Lanes and Richfield Bowl.

YouthQuest is a free after school program for K-8 students in Flint and Genesee County, managed by the Genesee Regional Chamber of Commerce. The program is offered at 15 schools in four school districts. All YouthQuest schools participated in the bowling event, with the students being shuttled in to play in three shifts: 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.; 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.; and 3:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.

The goal of the “Strikes & Spares” event was to allow students from the various sites to interact with their peers in a positive environment that allows for fun, and creates a sense of camaraderie. The afternoon also put into play the finer points of bowling, which the youth have explored and practiced during the after school session. More importantly it provided lessons in character building, positive peer reinforcement and sportsmanship.

Students were assigned bowling lanes by grades to ensure an even distribution and equal playing time. Pizza, soda and cookies were also provided.

“This is a critical time for youth and sports are key facets in helping them develop a positive attitude, strong values and social skills,” explained Rhetta Hunyady, Vice President, Operations and Employer Education & Training Connection at the Regional Chamber. “This event further reinforces that fact while at the same time allowing the students to have fun and connect with their peers from the other YouthQuest sites.”

To view a video of the “Strikes & Spares” event or for more information about YouthQuest click here.