Some 60 teams representing 25 states are expected to descend upon Jupiter Lanes July 26-29 to bowl for $70,000 in scholarship money at the International Family Tournament (IFT) presented by QubicaAMF and hosted by the Bowling Proprietors’ Association of America.
The annual parent-student scholarship tournament is the only sporting event in the United States in which parents, grandparents, stepparents and the like can participate with youth and teens for a chance at an international championship and college scholarship money. To get to the finals, contestants from across North America compete in state competitions to qualify for a trip to the IFT and a shot at scholarship dollars.
Teams compete in two divisions: Parent/Youth (age 11 and under) and Parent/Teen divisions (age 12 and older). After competition on Friday, July 28, each division’s top eight teams advance to a match play final round on the morning of Saturday, July 28. At the conclusion of the eight games of match play, the top three teams in each division then compete in the stepladder finals to decide the titles on Saturday afternoon.
Both first-place teams each win $5,000 scholarships to go toward their college education. Overall, scholarships totaling $70,000 will be distributed. Additional scholarships of $500 each for boys and girls in each division are awarded to youth and teen division bowlers with the highest six-game scratch total during the qualifying round.
The IFT is but one of many scholarship opportunities for youth bowlers.
As an industry, bowling offers over $6 million in scholarship money each year through proprietors, bowling associations, councils and certified tournaments around the United States.
The Embassy Suites in Palm Beach Gardens is the host hotel for the finalists. After competition on Friday, July 28, the teams will be treated to a Safari Night at the Palm Beach Zoo.
During the break Saturday there will be a trick shot demonstration by PBA Hall of Famer Norm Duke. The weekend will conclude with an awards banquet Saturday night at the hotel.
For additional information about the Bowling Proprietors’ Association of America, visit the BPAA web site at www.bpaa.com or call (800) 343-1329.
