Participants, family, friends and supporters of Fairfax Adult Softball, Inc. (FAS) united together on Sunday, Jan. 30 for the 11th Annual Bowling Tournament to benefit Northern Virginia Special Olympics and Fairfax County Park Authority field improvements. More than 200 participants contributed their time and spirits to raise nearly $11,000 in this year's tournament.
As the largest softball group in the metro area, FAS was approached by Eunice Kennedy Shriver and her staff in 1988 to assist in establishing a pilot program where Special Olympians play softball alongside FAS volunteers, known as Special Partners. This commitment of FAS continues today. Hundreds of Special Olympians over the years have gained not only the enjoyment of competitive sports, but also the camaraderie, training and health benefits that only sports can offer.
"I am extremely proud of the work of FAS and delighted with the success of this year's event which realized our greatest benefit to date," said FAS President John Carney, who attends and volunteers annually at the bowling tournament. "This is our 21st year of raising funds for Special Olympics and the Park Authority. I am overwhelmed by the generous businesses and dedicated volunteers who continually undertake the commitment to give back to our community."
The day's high scorers at the annual Bowling Tournament were the following: Male High Games - David Massey (259), Billy Cunningham (253); Male High Series - Henry Starkey (690), Keith Weaver (649); Female High Game - Elaine Wood (220), Estelle Miller (202); Female High Series - Elaine Wood (570), Beth Reese (555); Team High Game - Team 26, Jim Chmielewski (1060); Team 39, Diane Bombard (986); Team High Series - Team 26, Jim Chmielewski (2967); Team 23, Estelle Miller (2831).
Fairfax Adult Softball is a nonprofit corporation registered in the state of Virginia, which administers the largest adult softball program in the state under the auspices of the Fairfax County Department of Neighborhood and Community Services. The program and operation depends heavily upon the countless volunteer hours donated by its members.
Local adults can be a part of the No. 1 softball program in Northern Virginia and experience firsthand the camaraderie and enjoyment that only FAS softball offers. The organization not only welcomes Special Partners within the Special Olympics program, but also offers softball play for adult men and women in a number of different leagues: men, women, coed, women's fast pitch, men's 35-plus, and men's 50-plus. Registration for the upcoming spring and summer seasons are open with a deadline of March 1. Call 703-815-9007 or visit the league website at fairfaxadultsoftball.com.