IRENE R. DIVVER

Irene R. Divver has been involved in bowling as a participant or promoter since she first picked up a bowling ball 41 years ago. Since switching from duckpins to tenpins 19 years ago after she became general manager of Rinaldi's Riverdale Bowl, she has been one of our sport's staunchest supporters. As a member of the WDCAWBA board of directors for the past 13 years, Irene has served or chaired many of its committees. She has always volunteered her services on special projects such as the WlBC 75th anniversaiy celebration, the Cystic Fibrosis Bowl for Breath program, the Muscular Dystrophy Telethon on behalf of the WDCAWBA, and helping organize and run jamborees and workshops.

At the 1991 WDCAWBA Annual Meeting, Irene was awarded the prestigious President's Award for her continuous support and service to local women's bowling.

Her work the past 14 years as a director, coach, advisor, and volunteer with the Young American Bowling Alliance (YABA) also has been outstanding. She is directly responsible for successfully introducing the In-School Bowling Program at six elementary schools in Prince George’s County and currently is working on getting county junior and senior high schools involved.

As a member of the WDCAWBA public relations and publicity committee, she introduced the Director of the Month program, the Thank Your Volunteer program, and she continually holds rap sessions with directors at various centers. Irene was instrumental in organizing the Suzy Bowler contest in conjunction with the WDCAWBA‘s annual City Tournament. She also was responsible for the WDCAWBA obtaining its association flag.

One of lrene's favorite projects is the annual 3 C's Tournament, which she helped the late Matt Bennie organize. As a member of the Industry Relations Committee, Irene has helped improve proprietor-association-bowler communications and relationships, with the bowlers's benefit first and foremost. With the YABA Ways and Means Committee, she helped raise funds to bring the 1992 Virginia State Jamboree and the 1993 Virginia State Tournament to this area. She is widely recognized as one of the BVL’s steadfast supporters.

Irene has attended the Virginia State WBA annual convention for the past 15 years, 12 as a WDCAWBA delegate. She has served on several VSWBA committees and also is the area news coordinator for the VSWBA. She has been a member of the National Women's Bowling Writers Association for six years and has worked on its convention luncheon committee the past three years.

Irene has attended the last 10 WIBC Conventions, including its seminars and workshops, as a WDCAWBA delegate.

She is a member local, state, and national 600 clubs, with a high series of 630. Her best game is 256. She still carries about a 160 average.

Irene R. Divver's friendly attitude towards life , her peers, and the game of bowling have been an inspiration to all. Her dedication, hard work, and promotional skills have made her a true amabssador for the sport of bowling, not to mention a welcome addition to the WDCAWBA Hall of Fame.