So far, there have been 2,200 kids who have signed up for the program, according to Victory Lanes general manager Demetri Zavakos.
“There’s no catch, no nothing,” said Zavakos, whose dad, Jim, is the bowling center’s long-time owner. “It’s designed to get kids into the sport, to do something they never thought of.
“Bowling is still the No. 1 participation sport in America,” he added. “This is a way to get their feet in the door and helps the parents also because we know how tough times are and how expensive youth sports can get.”
There also is a family package available for a $23.95 one-time fee, which allows up to four adults to bowl with their children.
All bowlers are required to rent shoes or they can purchase shoes for $19, then get a $5 coupon to trade them in next year if they are still in the program. The program began May 15 and runs until the end of August, and there’s still room for more participants.
“It’s hot in the middle of the summer, but it’s cool here,” Zavakos said. “And it’s free. That’s why it has been so popular.”
This is part of a larger program.
“It’s a national program, started by a bunch of former bowling proprietors,” Zavakos said. “We’re not making a lot of money off of it. But we’re talking about the future of the sport, which is much more important.
“We have people coming and bowling 2-3 times a week and are having a lot of fun doing it.”
Zavakos also is finding newcomers who are surprised by the environment.
“It’s not your grandpa’s alley anymore,” he said. “Bowling centers are now non-smoking. It’s more family-friendly. It’s safe and clean. I think people would be surprised.”
For more info, visit kidsbowlfree.com/victory.
Contact this reporter at (937) 328-0364 or krowe@coxohio.com.
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