Battle Bowl XVII is known for crowning champions, creating unforgettable moments, and showcasing the very best the Underground Bowling Association has to offer. This year, however, the UBA is adding something even more meaningful to the weekend.
For the first time, the UBA has partnered with Bowlers to Veterans Link (BVL), giving Active-Duty military members and Veterans an opportunity to compete for a special incentive while supporting an organization dedicated to serving those who have served our country.
The partnership reflects what Commissioner Tom Twist believes should always be part of sports—using competition as a platform to make a positive impact.
For Twist, the decision to bring BVL to Battle Bowl XVII was about much more than adding another optional event.
“I personally have a close friend who is involved in the BVL,” Twist explained. “I thought it would be a good partnership to have for our future. Hopefully the good press will spread through the BVL community and possibly allow us to expand.”
The collaboration gives the UBA an opportunity to introduce thousands of bowlers and fans to BVL’s mission while also showing veterans that their service is appreciated by the bowling community.
The partnership also carries personal significance for the Commissioner.
“My father was a Veteran, so supporting a Veteran organization is a win for everyone.”
That personal connection helped make BVL a natural fit for Battle Bowl XVII.
“Veterans should never be forgotten,” Twist continued. “If anything that we do helps a Veteran in need, we should all be proud of that effort.”
The BVL incentive is open exclusively to Active-Duty military personnel and Veterans competing at Battle Bowl XVII.
Participants may enter the optional BVL incentive in Scratch Singles and/or Handicap Singles for $10 per event.
$8 from every entry goes directly into the prize fund.
$2 is donated to BVL to support veterans.
Handicap competition will use 80% of 240.
Eligible bowlers may participate in as many events as they choose and are eligible to cash multiple times throughout the weekend.
A single prepay form is available now on UBAToday.info, allowing members to reserve their entries before competition begins.
Prepaid entries will be accepted up until the scheduled start time of each event. If a prepayment is submitted after an event has already begun, the entry fee will be refunded in full.
Following Battle Bowl XVII, the UBA will publish all entries, final standings, and prize fund payouts.
To receive prize money, any bowler who cashes must verify their military status by submitting the BVL verification form available on UBAToday.info. Acceptable documentation includes a DD214 or a valid military identification card.
Failure to verify military status will result in forfeiture of prize winnings.
The partnership extends beyond the lanes.
Representatives from BVL will have a booth throughout Battle Bowl XVII where bowlers and spectators can learn more about the organization’s history, mission, and the programs it supports for veterans nationwide.
Twist hopes that simply introducing people to BVL can make a lasting difference.
“The plan is to also have a booth at Battle Bowl. BVL can do their own promotion of their organization and raise awareness. Just putting the logo there should at least put the name in people’s heads.”
The Commissioner believes partnerships like this should become part of the UBA’s identity.
“I think we should always be on the lookout for anything that promotes the UBA. Good press should always be good for growth.”
As Battle Bowl XVII brings together the sport’s best competitors, it will also remind everyone that bowling can be about more than trophies and prize funds.
Like many of the nation’s premier sports organizations, the UBA is using its platform to support a cause that matters.
When the final frame is bowled and champions are crowned, the success of this partnership won’t only be measured by dollars raised. It will be measured by the awareness created, the veterans honored, and the message sent to every service member in attendance:
The UBA remembers. The UBA appreciates. And at Battle Bowl XVII, the bowling community stands together in support of those who served.
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