PHOTO GALLERY: Bowl with The Bus
Former Steelers' running back Jerome Bettis was known for bowling over defenders when he played, but he loved knocking down bowling pins almost as much.
On Thursday he brought his love of both sports together when he hosted "Bowl with The Bus" at Latitude 40, a charity event benefiting the Jerome Bettis Bus Stops Here Foundation.
Bettis, a life-long bowler with a 200-level average, along with some former Steelers' players hit the bowling lanes with fans, enjoying the competitiveness the game brings while opening the sport up to a whole new audience. Bettis also posed for pictures and signed autographs for the fans.
"I wanted to do this because I do have a love for bowling," said Bettis. "I really feel the event is something unique that nobody is doing in Pittsburgh. I have a passion and love for bowling and I wanted that to come through. I wanted to show people bowling. Some people don't know bowling, have never been bowling. This was an opportunity to showcase the sport that I love, my second love in terms of sports."
The event benefited Bettis' foundation, with money raised going toward programs for Pittsburgh youth including computer-engineering, asthma awareness and mentorship programs.
"That is what it's all about, trying to pay it forward for all of the help I received when I was playing, when I was younger, when I was a kid," said Bettis. "It's time to pay it forward. That is what I am trying to do, create opportunities for other kids similar to the opportunity that was presented to me. That is why it's so important to continue to do the things I have been doing. I am glad I am able to incorporate something new and hopefully we can make it bigger and bigger."
