YORKTON – A record number of bowlers laced up their shoes in Yorkton to raise funds for SaskAbilities.
The fourth annual Bowlarama for Snowarama wrapped up last week, drawing 80 participants in support of Easter Seals programs delivered through SaskAbilities.
Deana Stroshein, community relations coordinator with the Yorkton branch of SaskAbilities, said the event continues to grow each year.
“It was the fourth annual Bowlarama that we hosted and we had a record number of bowlers join us,” Stroshein said. “We had 80 bowlers in total.”
Participants came from Yorkton and surrounding communities, including Wynyard, Wadena, Melville and Ituna. Bowlers represented SaskAbilities’ children and youth programming, the day program and the mental health drop-in centre.
“It was a great day, lots of fun, lots of excitement,” Stroshein said, adding that the final fundraising total from Bowlarama will be announced during the Snowarama awards banquet.
Funds raised through Bowlarama and the upcoming Snowarama support three core Easter Seals programs in Saskatchewan: Camp Easter Seal, Summer Fun and Adaptive Technology Services.
Camp Easter Seal is the only fully wheelchair-accessible overnight camping facility in Saskatchewan. Each summer, more than 600 children, youth, and adults with disabilities attend camp. From accessible walkways and docks to yurts and an amphitheatre, the site is designed to remove barriers and allow campers to fully participate in recreational and social activities.
On average, it costs about $2,500 to send one camper to Camp Easter Seal. Through donations, sponsorships and volunteer support, campers attend free of charge.
Summer Fun, an urban day camp operating in four Saskatchewan cities, including Yorkton, runs throughout July and August. The program focuses on inclusion, social skill development, and confidence-building, giving children and youth with disabilities the opportunity to enjoy summer activities alongside their peers.
Adaptive Technology Services works with individuals to increase independence through customized technology solutions. Services range from modified keyboards to communication devices, along with assessments, installation and training.
Stroshen said community backing remains the driving force behind the programs’ success.
“It’s very humbling to see the community support continue to show up after years and years,” she said. “Without it, we wouldn’t be able to offer these programs.”
Looking forward to the future, Stroshen said that the 49th annual Easter Seals Snowarama in Yorkton is set for the weekend of March 6 and 7.
Riders will head out on the trails and receive breakfast, lunch, fuel, a ticket to the awards banquet, event merchandise and the chance to win prizes.
The banquet takes place Saturday evening at St. Mary’s Cultural Centre, where organizers will reveal the total funds raised through both Bowlarama and Snowarama.
Registration remains open online at snoworama.ca. Pledge sheets are also available at SaskAbilities in Yorkton and at Schrader’s and Fun snowmobile dealerships.
Participants can register during the Friday, March 6, wing night from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m., or Saturday, March 7, from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. during the breakfast kickoff.
Banquet tickets are available for $45 each for those wishing to attend the evening celebration.
