The Support Alliance of the Visually Impaired (SAVI), a nonprofit organization that assists visually impaired adults and their families, will host its fourth annual Blindfold Bowling Tournament on September 28-29 at Southern Lanes in Owensboro. The unique fundraising event gives sighted participants a chance to bowl using rails while blindfolded, simulating the experience of visually impaired bowlers.
Organizers said this year’s event holds special significance as SAVI celebrates its 10-year anniversary. The support group has provided resources, workshops, and monthly meetings for a decade.
There is still room for two more teams, and local businesses and individuals are encouraged to participate.
“We want to raise awareness for the visually impaired in our community and show that blind or visually impaired individuals can still enjoy activities like bowling,” said Rick Boggess, one of the group’s founders and secretary of the board. “We’ve created a way for people to experience bowling the way we do, with the help of our bowling rails that act as guides.”
Despite having to pause the event for a couple of years due to the pandemic, the Blindfold Bowling Tournament has grown steadily since its first year in 2019. Boggess emphasized the community’s support, mentioning corporate sponsors like Southern Star, Owensboro Lions Club, Owensboro Professional Firefighters Local 870, Unifirst Corporation, and the Fraternal Order of Police Owensboro Lodge 16.
“We’ve had great support from our sponsors, and they’ll be recognized at the event,” Boggess said. “We’re grateful to everyone who helps make this possible.”
Proceeds from the tournament will support SAVI’s efforts to assist visually impaired individuals in Daviess and surrounding counties. The organization’s work includes promoting public understanding of visual impairment, advocating for equal employment opportunities, and offering resources for education and rehabilitation programs.
For more information on how to participate or sponsor the event, visit SAVI’s website at kentucky-acb.org/owensboro or call 270-684-4418.
