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Veterans 'Know their Roll' in Wallingford

Gaylord Hospital’s Sports Association starts Adaptive Bowling Program for vets

WALLINGFORD, Conn. — The premise is simple; crash down bowling pins and build each other up. At “Bowlero”, the popular bowling alley in Wallingford, Gaylord Hospital’s Sports Association has introduced a new program that offers a day of adaptive bowling for retired veterans. 

Katie Joly the program manager for Gaylord’s Sports Association said, “This is new -- this is our Veterans Adaptive Bowling Program that we just started this year. The program is for veterans who might have a physical disability, visual impairment, or PTSD.”

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During a recent Thursday, 15 veterans took aim at pins across four different lanes at Bowlero. After scoring a strike, Retired Marine Corp veteran Tony Lucas said, “I only have one word to say -- it’s awesome. It’s the community amongst each other, it’s unparalleled.” 

Kat Swenson, a retired Air Force sergeant who lives in Hebron added, “What I find is that through this community we heal, and Gaylord provides a community.”

Joly noted that the new program has been made possible from a grant through Southern Connecticut State University. 

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“We have a grant with Southern Connecticut State University through the "VA Adaptive Sports Grant” and we are partnering with the VA from West Haven.”

Frame after frame brought smiles and raucous cheers from the veterans who were taking their best shots, some, with staff helping them, were hurling bowling balls from their wheelchairs. 

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Tony Lucas added, “The best part is just being out here with my fellow veterans.”

To learn more about Gaylord Hospital’s Sports Association and to see their calendar of events click here.

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Jimmy Altman is a reporter at FOX61 News. He can be reached at jaltman@fox61.comFollow him on Facebook, X and Instagram.

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