PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) — Rhode Island is set to host its first-ever wheelchair bowling tournament this weekend to benefit veterans and active-duty military. The four-day tournament, a collaboration between Wheelchair Bowlers of America, the Matthew Patton Foundation, and the Stevens Family Foundation, aims to raise awareness about the challenges that current and former military members face. The Matthew Patton Foundation was founded by the parents of Army veteran and Mount Hope High School graduate Matthew Patton, who took his own life in 2013. Its mission is to improve military mental health while advocating for all service members. The Stevens Family Foundation is dedicated to honoring and empowering those with special needs. Founded in 2021 by a disabled veteran with a passion for bowling, the Wheelchair Bowlers of America promotes bowling for people with disabilities, with or without adaptive equipment. Membership is required and bowlers must be USBC-sanctioned to take part in the tournaments. The event runs from Thursday, Oct. 24, through Sunday, Oct. 27, at East Providence Lanes on Newport Avenue. Lt. Governor Sabina Matos, East Providence Mayor Bob DaSilva, and Veterans Services Director Kasim Yarn will speak at the tournament’s opening ceremonies on Friday, Oct. 25, starting at 10 a.m. For more information regarding tournament and application details, view the PDF file below. Rhode-Island-Application-DetailsDownload Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Breaking News SIGN UP NOW