◆ Lend support at Skyview Lanes on Friday, May 20 from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Nine local youth bowlers have qualified to compete at the Junior Gold Championships in Grand Rapids, Michigan in July. Fundraising efforts to help the youth earn the money to travel to the championships include a Yard Sale event that is taking place Friday, May 20 from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the parking lot of Skyview Lanes.

“It’s all about the kids and watching the kids grow,” said Amy Hansen, who is a parent and fundraiser organizer, in an interview with SVI News. “Seeing the community pull together to help these kids get to the tournament is amazing. Last year, we did a spaghetti dinner, and I was just in awe of the community support that we received in helping our kids to go.”

Qualifying youth bowlers include Justice Dudley, Triniti DeJournett, Karlee Cassity, Jace Perry, Ethan Kirkland, Hunter Suter, Audrey Hansen, Brock Haderlie and Daxton Gilbert. These bowlers have traveled to tournaments throughout the state of Wyoming and have competed in Idaho as well. The Junior Gold Championship is a 10-day tournament where athletes bowl every day of the tournament. Bowling at this high-profile event brings recognition from colleges to young athletes who are looking to earn bowling scholarships and a spot on a collegiate bowling team.

“These kids worked so hard,” said Hansen. “Typically, bowling tournaments start in August, and they bowl two to three tournaments a month to qualify for Junior Gold’s. If they place high enough in the tournaments, they can earn scholarships to any college they choose. There are a lot of colleges that do scholarships for bowling.”

This fundraiser offers a multi-yard sale in the parking lot of Skyview Lanes. Participating kids will each have their own booth where they will be selling various items including goods and raffle tickets. Hansen also is encouraging community members to take their car to Star Valley Ski-Doo on Saturday, June 25, for a personal car wash. Funds earned at the car wash will also help get kids to the championships.

“It’s very difficult to earn a seat in the Junior Golds,” concluded Hansen. “Some of our kids don’t get to that point. They are working to earn that opportunity in the future, and we have a few that really want to do it, and I believe in my heart that they will be there next year.”