The sport of bowling is as strong as ever, and I invite those who bowl on a regular, semi-regular or occasional basis to get others involved.

Bowling is still one of the most affordable activities, it's a social activity and everyone can do it. It's also a great form of exercise, and bowlers can compete at various levels.

The Professional Bowlers Association continues to showcase the world's top bowlers, and it gives the regular Joe a shot at competing against them.

The PGA does not offer the possibility of teeing up with Tiger Woods, but a bowler has the shot at every PBA tourney to qualify as a nonexempt bowler and bowl with professionals like Parker Bohn III, Walter Ray Williams, and Norm Duke.

Make a New Year's resolution to get out to a bowling center and knock 'em down!

According to the National Sporting Goods Association's latest survey, how many Americans age 7 and older participated in a bowling activity more than once in the past year? Answer at the end of the column.

The sixth annual Mickey Michalojko Scratch Bowling Tournament will be held on Feb. 18 at Colonial Lanes, near New Castle. The tournament is named in memory of Michael Michalojko, a long time proprietor of Colonial Lanes and Shenango Bowl-A-Way.Entry fee is $65 in advance, $80 on the day of the event. Other optional events, such as brackets, high-game pots and an eliminator, will be available.A minimum of $1,800 for first place is guaranteed, along with a trophy. Squad times are at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. Entry forms are available at Butler County bowling centers. Contact Bob Michalojko at 724-654-5000 for information

• Rick McKain topped all bowlers in the Automotive League at Bon Aire Bowl recently, firing a 275 game en route to a 697 series. Others bowling well were Don Clark, 247-671; Dave Morgan, 266-694; and Matt Pawlowicz, 276 game• Bob Eppinger continues to be on fire in the Fox's Pizza Den League at Sherwood Lanes, rolling a 268 game and a 783 series recently. Jim Hepler also bowled well last week tossing a 257 game and 741 set.

Bowlers need to be careful, especially this time of year, of walking away from the bowling area while wearing their bowling shoes.If you need to head to the snack bar, lounge or anywhere else in the bowling center outside of the tiled bowling area, take your bowling shoes off or cover them with shoe covers that are sold at pro shops and stores.It's a little bit of a hassle, but it mainly is a safety issue. Sticking on the approach because of a damp surface can cause a serious injury.

Last year, 39.4 million people age 7 and older participated in bowling more than once. Exercise walking topped the list at 79.5 million.