Bowling Highlights Column 1-21-11

USBC And Humana Form Alliance

Humana Inc.,one of the nation's largest publicly traded health and supplemental benefits companies, and the United States Bowling Congress (USBC), the national governing body for bowling as recognized by the United States Olympic Committee, announced recently that they have formed an alliance making Humana the official health benefit provider of USBC. The alliance enables Humana to provide special direct access to its products for USBC's more than two million members.
"Humana is pleased to announce this alliance intended to support a favorite American pastime and demonstrate the importance of engaging in activities that promote well-being through physical movement and social interaction," said Fred Wheeler, HumanaOne vice president of sales. "Bowling is a sport that is appealing to both young and old and through this partnership we hope to emphasize our commitment to well-being for the entire family."
Under terms of the agreement, Humana and USBC will bring the message of Humana's well-being commitment to USBC members, tournament participants and TV viewers. The alliance seeks to spotlight the relationship between bowling - engaging individuals in healthy activity at every age - and Humana, which offers benefits and services to people of all ages.
Humana Medicare Advantage plans will be offered to USBC members who are eligible for Medicare. And all USBC members will have access to a discount prescription-drug program from Humana, beginning in March. Humana individual medical, dental, vision, life and supplemental plans will also be offered to USBC members through this alliance.
"We are pleased to work with Humana and continue to demonstrate the positive impact bowling can have on one's health and the positive business results USBC can deliver to partners," USBC Executive Director Stu Upson said. "We look forward to working with Humana to share exciting offerings of new benefits to USBC members as a result of this partnership."
Bowling, according to the USBC, is the largest participatory sport in the United States with more than 71 million people bowling annually. USBC says bowling participation grew four percent in 2009 and has a $10 billion annual impact on the U.S. economy.

Bowling Tip
By Mike Luongo

This tip is for all bowlers regardless of age or level of play.
So very often today bowlers find themselves off balance at the foul line.
While there are many reasons for this, what you may not realize is that most bad finishes are a result of a bad start.
The tip: Check your first step and see if it's too long. This will cause you to push the ball away too far and then your feet will have to play "catch up" to keep you from falling down.
Try a smaller first step next time.......it may help.
Mike Luongo is technically certified through IBPSIA as a Pro Shop Operator and Master Instructor. He is also a Silver Level Coach with the USBC and is an Advisor along with being involved with Special Events with the Storm and Roto Grip Bowling Ball Company. If you have a question or subject you would like covered, he can be reached by telephone at 435-720-7939 or vie email at mikel@stormbowling.com

PBA News

Chris Barnes defeated Bill O'Neill 267-237 last Sunday afternoon to win the PBA World Championship at South Point Bowling Center in Las Vegas, Nev.
The richest tournament in PBA history, the $1 million Tournament of Champions will conclude Saturday at 2:30 p.m. on ABC (Channel 7)
Full coverage of these events are available at http://bght.blogspot.com

This column is written by Ed Townsend, a public relations consultant to the amateur and professional sport of bowling and to several bowling writers associations. If you have a topic that would make good reading or have league and tournament scores and information. Ed can be reached by phone at 845-439-8177, via email at edwardctownsend@hotmail.com, by fax at 845-230-8674. For an expanded version of this bowling column please visit our Web Page at http://bght.blogspot.com This column is also available on Facebook.