Larry Parker exceeds previous World Record for Consecutive Hours of Bowling by 45 minutes
 |
Larry Parker, who has been employed by CARQUEST Corporation for more than four years as a multimedia specialist, raised funds for the Law Enforcement Torch Run as he set the World Record for consecutive hours of bowling. Originally from Illinois, Parker bowled for Illinois State from 1993-1997, where he graduated with a degree in Broadcast Communications. He has participated in the sport for more than 18 years, and has 14 perfect 300 games and three 800 series to his credit, as well as having notched the high bowling average (229) for the Raleigh Bowling Association 2000-01 season. "I feel by attempting to break the record, we can raise thousands of dollars for Special Olympics and also raise awareness about athletes with mental retardation who compete each year in Games throughout the world," Parker says. |
Larry Parker raised US$50,000 for the Special Olympics North Carolina (USA) and raised awareness of the Law Enforcement Torch Run® for Special Olympics by breaking the Guinness Book of World Records mark for consecutive hours of bowling. The event, "Bowling for Champions," took place 9-11 May at Buffaloe Lanes North in Raleigh, North Carolina, USA and offered various festivities for the entire family.
Parker, 29, is employed by CARQUEST Auto Parts, the Premier International Partner of the Law Enforcement Torch Run. He bowled for 48 consecutive hours, breaking the previous world record mark by 45 minutes. Parker was allowed one 15-minute break every eight hours, his only other rest coming between shots as he waits for his ball to return. To prepare for the record attempt, Parker has been working with a personal trainer since January at Phase II Personal Training Centers in Raleigh.
Guinness World Records™ has become a household name and the global leader in world records - no other enterprise collects, confirms, accredits and presents world record data with the same investment in comprehensiveness and authenticity.
 "I have been an avid bowler for 18 years and Special Olympics is a great charity that CARQUEST supports," says Parker, who has been involved in Special Olympics through his nephew, who has Down syndrome. "I wanted to raise money and awareness by doing something unique. CARQUEST has been such a great sponsor and there have been many creative events, but nobody had gone for a World Record. I figured this would be a great way to get some attention for the Special Olympic athletes and the Torch Run."
Parker adds, "Having volunteered in 1999 at the Summer World Games here in Raleigh taught me just how special the athletes really are. It also taught me how important it is to help an athlete have the opportunity to compete. Everyone likes to win, but for Special Olympics athletes, it's just having the ability to compete and not just win."
"Bowling for Champions" weekend activities
The weekend was promoted as "Bowling For Champions" and included a 5K Run, 1K Walk (finishing at Buffaloe Lanes North) on Saturday morning, along with a car show and celebrity appearances throughout the event, including stars from the Professional Bull Riders tour, which was competing that weekend at the RBC Center. Stormy, the mascot from the Carolina Hurricanes NHL team and Special Olympics North Carolina athletes also attended the event. Raleigh and other North Carolina residents were encouraged to visit Buffaloe Lanes North during Parker's Bowling Challenge to cheer him in his efforts - or bowl a game with him for a $20 donation.
Learn more by visiting CARQUEST's Web site at www.carquest.com/torch_run_bowling_fundraiser.htm.
|
