John LaSpina is 2012 BWAA Mike Hennessy Award of Merit recipient
04/03/12
For contributions to bowling through education, promotion and commentary on issues affecting the sport, the Bowling Writers Association of America has announced that John LaSpina (pictured) is the recipient of the 2012 BWAA Mike Hennessy Award of Merit.
LaSpina has served in leadership roles at many levels during his lifetime of involvement in the sport. He was president of the New York City BPA, the New York State BPA, and has chaired the Tri-State Bowling Promotions Committee.
On the national level, he served as vice president and then president of the BPAA from 1992-94. He also served on BPAA's board of directors from 1977 until recently and was on the board of the Young American Bowling Alliance, during which time he served as vice-president.
It was through his involvement with YABA that LaSpina was instrumental in the development of the YABA PEE WEE program designed to promote the sport to very young children.
LaSpina, along with his brother, Peter, also administers the Peter J. LaSpina Memorial Scholarship Tournament in memory of their late father and has spearheaded many other bowling-related fundraisers for many charities locally and nationally.
In response to the aftermath of 9/11, Maple Family Centers organized the Maple Family Center BVL tournament that has raised thousands of dollars for the charity. LaSpina is currently president of Maple Family Centers which operates five centers in New York.
"What makes receiving this award all the more special is that it is in honor of Mike (Hennessy) who was a great friend," said LaSpina. "I've always encouraged the concept of working together not only in my work as a proprietor but also in the leadership positions I've had in the industry.
Throughout his tenure as an industry leader, LaSpina has written numerous articles and columns for industry publications focusing on bowling issues. He is also past-chairman of International Bowl Expo and the East Coast Bowling Centers Convention.
"As a proprietor myself, I care deeply for the future of the sport and have always tried to convey that enthusiasm to everyone I've worked with in the industry because it is indeed a lifetime sport."
LaSpina has also been recognized with many other industry awards including:
The Mike Hennessy Award of Merit is named after the late bowling reporter, former BWAA president and USBC Hall of Famer who held many positions in the bowling industry and covered the sport at all levels. Jim Goodwin was the recipient of the inaugural Hennessy Award of Merit in 2011.
LaSpina will be presented with his award during BWAA Annual Meeting activities held in conjunction with International Bowl Expo June 24-29 in Reno, Nev.
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BWAA Awards
Award for contributions to the sport to be presented at BWAA Annual Meeting June 24 in Reno, Nev.
For contributions to bowling through education, promotion and commentary on issues affecting the sport, the Bowling Writers Association of America has announced that John LaSpina (pictured) is the recipient of the 2012 BWAA Mike Hennessy Award of Merit.LaSpina has served in leadership roles at many levels during his lifetime of involvement in the sport. He was president of the New York City BPA, the New York State BPA, and has chaired the Tri-State Bowling Promotions Committee.
On the national level, he served as vice president and then president of the BPAA from 1992-94. He also served on BPAA's board of directors from 1977 until recently and was on the board of the Young American Bowling Alliance, during which time he served as vice-president.
It was through his involvement with YABA that LaSpina was instrumental in the development of the YABA PEE WEE program designed to promote the sport to very young children.
LaSpina, along with his brother, Peter, also administers the Peter J. LaSpina Memorial Scholarship Tournament in memory of their late father and has spearheaded many other bowling-related fundraisers for many charities locally and nationally.
In response to the aftermath of 9/11, Maple Family Centers organized the Maple Family Center BVL tournament that has raised thousands of dollars for the charity. LaSpina is currently president of Maple Family Centers which operates five centers in New York.
"What makes receiving this award all the more special is that it is in honor of Mike (Hennessy) who was a great friend," said LaSpina. "I've always encouraged the concept of working together not only in my work as a proprietor but also in the leadership positions I've had in the industry.
Throughout his tenure as an industry leader, LaSpina has written numerous articles and columns for industry publications focusing on bowling issues. He is also past-chairman of International Bowl Expo and the East Coast Bowling Centers Convention.
"As a proprietor myself, I care deeply for the future of the sport and have always tried to convey that enthusiasm to everyone I've worked with in the industry because it is indeed a lifetime sport."
LaSpina has also been recognized with many other industry awards including:
- New York City Bowling Proprietors' Association Hall of Fame Award - 1982
- Metropolitan Bowling Writers Award - 1984
- International Bowling Industry Magazine Person of the Year - 1994
- BPAA's President's Medal - 1995
- New York State Bowling Proprietors' Association Award of Excellence - 1996
- William Landgraff Award - Metropolitan Bowling Writers Association - 1998
- BPAA Hall of Fame and Victor Lerner Memorial Medal - 2002
The Mike Hennessy Award of Merit is named after the late bowling reporter, former BWAA president and USBC Hall of Famer who held many positions in the bowling industry and covered the sport at all levels. Jim Goodwin was the recipient of the inaugural Hennessy Award of Merit in 2011.
LaSpina will be presented with his award during BWAA Annual Meeting activities held in conjunction with International Bowl Expo June 24-29 in Reno, Nev.
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