
The American Wheelchair Bowling Association (AWBA)
is a non-profit organization, composed of wheelchair bowlers, dedicated
to encouraging, developing, and regulating
wheelchair bowling and wheelchair bowling
leagues. The A.W.B.A. serves wheelchair bowling
just as the United States Bowling Congress (USBC) serves able-bodied bowlers. The
A.W.B.A. does
not break up existing leagues and organizations, but serves to strengthen
clubs and leagues that are already formed. We help independent bowlers
to start new leagues. It strives to help all wheelchair bowlers on any
problem that confronts them.
It is estimated a quarter of a million Americans
are classified as a paraplegics, quadriplegics, or amputees. Annually,
about 10,000 more are so classified. Over 80% are men. The majority
are between 18 and 25 years of age. Most of
their disabilities are the result of wartime military service, automobile,
motorcycle, and industrial accidents, and illnesses such as cerebal palsy,
multiple sclerosis, polio and diabetes.
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