Robins youth bowler preps for international competition Published May 16, 2008 By Amanda Creel 78 ABW/PA Robins Air Force Base, Ga. -- When it comes to bowling Brianna Woolery is one lucky 11-year-old. It all started two years ago when she won a drawing for a bowling ball and bag at the Gold Cup Bowling Center on Russell Parkway in Warner Robins. "I was excited to win something for once, so I wanted to try it out. I found out I loved it," Brianna said. It wasn't long before Brianna brought her love of bowling to the Robins Bowling Center and its youth bowling league, where she has been throwing splits, spares and even a few strikes for two years. Recently, her passion for bowling, brought more good fortune when someone somewhere knew her love of the sport and her winning personality made her a perfect candidate for the Friendship Games in Haarlem, Holland in July. Brianna's initial nominator remains a mystery, but no one was surprised to hear she earned a spot as a People to People Sports Ambassador. After her nomination Brianna was given the opportunity to apply to be a sports ambassador at the Friendship Games. Her application led to an interview and eventually to her selection. People to People International was founded in 1956 by President Eisenhower to promote world peace through increased understanding between the citizens of the world. Sports ambassadors were added to the People to People mission in 2000. The program searches for athletes from many different sports, who not only have some athletic ability but are also good leaders and are known for their good character. "We aren't just looking for star athletes. We are looking for well-rounded representatives of the U.S.," said Andy Henderson, area sports administrator for the Georgia People to People Sports Ambassador program. Mr. Henderson, who interviewed Brianna and helped select her, said he was so impressed with her at her interview. "I remember her so well because she was so shy and bashful at first. As the interview progressed, I could see her confidence grow. After that, I knew she was a special young lady," Mr. Henderson said. He is confident she is going to be a great sports ambassador "She's going to represent us well. She is just such a neat kid. She is going to be a good ambassador," Mr. Henderson said. "We want to win with dignity and class and I know she will do that." During the games, Brianna will be representing the U.S. and making friends with her peers representing more than 20 nationalities at the games. Brianna is one of 125 students from the state of Georgia selected, who will spend 10 days touring the country visiting a cheese factory and participating in a ten-mile bike ride. Brianna said the thing she was looking forward to the most was visiting the home of Anne Frank. "I read the book and I really loved it and I want to find out all about it," Brianna said. Along with bowling in Holland for the Friendship Games, Brianna will also be knocking down pins at the State Bowling tournament in Savannah May 17 with other members of the base youth bowling league. Brianna and her parents, Charlie and Pam Woodrow, agree she would have never been afforded this opportunity without the base youth bowling league program helping her discover her enthusiasm for the sport. When Brianna started bowling on base two years ago her average was about 60. After two years of practice and league play she more than doubled her bowling average to a 123, Mrs. Woodrow said. "She's a sweetheart. She's not the best bowler I have, but she enjoys her bowling and she tries very hard," said Margaret Corzine, a coach with the base youth bowling league. "It's the chance of a lifetime for her and I am so proud of her." Brianna credits the youth league coaches with her success on the lanes as well. "I don't think I could have gotten over 90 if I didn't have them," Brianna said. Brianna is a little apprehensive about the competition. "It's going to be really fun, but I am nervous about being around people who speak different languages and not being able to understand the other kids," Brianna said.