Amputee Bowling - 2009 - Delamps - Delaware Amputee Support Group.

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Perfect Strike for First Bowling Outing

"Those who say it can't be done are constantly being interrupted by those who are doing it."

With that adage in mind, more than 40 New Castle and Kent County, Delaware, amputees and their families braved the cold rain this week and went bowling.

The event was open to all configurations - AK, BK and bi-laterals, with walking devices and without. We took up seven lanes at the New Castle Bolwerama. Everybody bowled.

For some, it was the first time they'd been bowling in more than 20 years. For all, it was the first time they'd been bowling since their "abbreviations."

The event, sponsored by John Horne and Independence Prosthetics & Orthodics, is part of Delamps' ongoing social and recreational program.

According to Gloria Price, Founder and Executive Director of the Amputee Support Groupo of Delaware, the amputee support group's motto is 'Living life to its fullest'.

"This bowling outing is just one more example of how we intend to keep on doing everything we used to do, and everything everyone else is doing."

Largest gathering yet

Charlie Ulbinski, bi-lateral, agreed. "I haven't seen so many amputees in one spot in my life. Ever. And we saw how getting together for an event like this really developed a camaraderie for us all."

"It was really inspiring to see everyone doing what we were told we couldn't do, and enjoying the hell out of ourselves in the process. We should all be grateful to John Horne for organizing the event."

Ulbinski went on to say that since the first outing members have been seriously discussing formation of an amp and wheeler league which would bowl on a regular basis.

Just the latest event

Bowling is just the latest in a series of social and recreational events in which the Amputee Support Group has engaged during the past year.

In addition to regular meetings, where the food is always great, the organization has attended Blue Rocks baseball games as well as mini-golf outings.

State resources go elsewhere

Recreational and sport opportunities are far and few between in Delaware, where the vast majority of funding and energy goes to non-physical disability issues.

According to Rick Hofmann, who leads the Delamps sports and recreation effort, "Delaware seems to believe that those with physical 'disabilities' in the state are inherently 'unable' ".

So, following that prejudice, attention appears to be given only to those needing vocational rehab and training services while ignoring quality of life issues.

In the meantime, Hofmann said the Delaware Amputee Support Group, will continue to develop social, recreational and sporting opportunities for our members.