Sports leagues at the Greater Wichita YMCA deservedly get a lot of attention. Odds are, everyone reading this article right now knows of a family who participates in Y basketball, soccer, baseball, volleyball and flag football games. But what about bowling?
Bowling is a sport at the Y, but not in the way you might think.
Every year, Y members, staff, volunteers and donors join elected officials and business leaders to put on matching T-shirts and get together at bowling alleys around the Wichita area to strike up some fun during Bowl-A-Thon – all with the purpose of raising money for the Y’s Strong Community Campaign that provided more than $9.2 million in free and discounted services for 37,311 people in 2024.
We’re not talking about just filling one or two lanes with Y teams. On average, 600 or more bowlers on nearly 100 teams converge on the venues to celebrate the individuals and families they are helping with every strike, spare or unavoidable gutter ball.
Excitement surrounds any Y-sponsored event, and the reason is clear: Our community strongly believes in the mission of the Y to be FOR ALL, regardless of ability to pay. The Y’s family of supporters are determined to give all youth and adults access to life-changing programs and services that connect them to their purpose, potential and each other.
“The reason I participate in Bowl-A-Thon is because of the mission behind the bowling. It’s easy to ask people to help sponsor you for bowling, knowing that everyone can connect with at least one of our free community programs, whether it’s LIVESTRONG at the YMCA for cancer survivors, SPLASH! water safety classes for second graders or Job Prep that creates work-ready teens,” said Ryan Littlejohn, West YMCA Branch Director.
The Y’s Strong Community Campaign makes it possible for children to lead healthier lives and for parents to find hope and relief in challenging times. The following is just one family’s story, but it reflects the experiences of countless others who received the help they needed through Y financial assistance:
Following the loss of her husband, one area mother had difficulty creating stability for her two young children. They were on a Y youth basketball team, but their new reality meant she could no longer afford for them to participate. Once East Y volunteer coach Jordan Rosefound out and connected her with Y staff, it wasn’t too long before she was approved for financial assistance and her children returned to the basketball court. She was filled with hope as she watched smiles return to her boys’ faces and beyond grateful to find relief from the sadness that had engulfed their lives.
Whether it’s taking part in events or making donations in person or online, we invite everyone to be part the Y’s Strong Community Campaign to change the lives of the people around you. Learn more at ymcawichita.org/give.
