Annual WNDA Awards for Sportswomanship & Service

In 1986 the WNDA established the Ann Schmitter Memorial Sportswoman of the Year Award in memory of Ann Schmitter of Glastonbury, CT.  In 2007 the WNDA established the Theresa Belniak Service Award in memory of Theresa Belniak of Middletown, CT.  Ann and Theresa were two of the finest ladies the game of duckpins has ever known. 

Ann was devoted to the game of duckpins from local league play to both the Ladies Professional Duckpin Tour (LPDT) and the WNDA, serving in many positions from league Secretary and President to the Connecticut Area Representative for the Pro Tours.  She was a lady both on and off the lanes and was well respected by everyone who made her acquaintance.  This annual award is given to the WNDA member who best exemplifies the qualities that Ann brought to the game:  good sportswomanship, dedication,  and unselfish devotion to the game of duckpins and to her fellow bowlers.  

Theresa, also devoted to the game of duckpins, served as the Treasurer for the WNDA for over twenty years, as President of the NDBC for three years, and on the Board of the NDBC for over 20 years.  She also served in local and state duckpin associations.   Theresa was elected to the Bowlers Association of Connecticut (BAC) Hall of Fame in 1996 and 2006 and to the WNDA Hall of Fame in 2003.  This annual award is given to the WNDA member who best personifies the spirit of Theresa Belniak's service commitment to the WNDA.  Theresa dedicated her time, efforts, expertise, and her heart to make the WNDA a successful organization.  Each year the winner of this award will have shown their dedication to the tour, either in the past or in the present, by lending their time, their ideas, and their efforts to the success of the WNDA.

Anyone may nominate a WNDA member to receive these awards.

Nominations must be furnished in writing with supporting information as to why the nominee should be honored with either the Ann Schmitter Sportswomanship Award or the Theresa Belniak Service Award. 

All nominations for the Ann Schmitter award are to be sent to Jackie Adams. She has setup a special mail account for them, annschmitter@aol.com. Nominations should be be sent by mail or by e-mail to her (send us an e-mail or call the WNDA office to get her address)  no later than September 10, 2010.

Nominations for the Theresa Belniak Service Award should be submitted directly to Chuck Kramer.

The winner of the Ann Schmitter award will be determined by a vote of past recipients of the award.  The winner of the Theresa Belniak award will be determined by a vote of the WNDA Governing Body and Officers.  The winners, if present, will be announced at the Grand Prix event.

Nomination forms can be found in the FORMS section, or by using this link.