AWBA FOUNDING

The American Wheelchair Bowling Association (AWBA) was founded in June 1962, the brainchild of Richard F. Carlson, himself a wheelchair bowler. The organization’s first tournament was held that month in Louisville, Kentucky, with 33 bowlers participating. Today, the AWBA has over 500 members. This trophy, which honors the founding of the organization and is topped by a robot bowling in a wheelchair, is on display at the International Bowling Museum and Hall of Fame.