U.S. Census Bureau Daily Feature for February 29

WASHINGTON, Feb. 29, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Following is the daily "Profile America" feature from the U.S. Census Bureau:

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20110428/DC91889LOGO)

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 29: BOWLING

Profile America — Wednesday, February 29th.  The largest participation event in sports is under way, centered on Baton Rouge, Louisiana.  The U.S. Bowling Congress Open will see games rolled in cities around the nation, through the 10th of July.  These tournaments date back to 1901, and in 1995, more than 90,000 people took part.  Bowlers will be competing in singles, doubles, and five-member teams.  Prize money will be some $7 million.  The number of U.S. bowling alleys peaked in the 1960s at around 12,000, when they were social gathering places all across the country.  Today, that number is just under 3,100.  While fewer people bowl than in the past, it is still enjoyed by close to 45 million people of all ages each year.  Profile America is in its 15th year as a public service of the U.S. Census Bureau.

Sources:  Statistical Abstract of the United States 2012, t. 1228, 1249
2007 Economic Census, NAICS 713950

Profile America is produced by the Public Information Office of the U.S. Census Bureau. These daily features are available as produced segments, ready to air, on a monthly CD or on the Internet at http://www.census.gov (look for "Multimedia Gallery" by the "Newsroom" button). 

CONTACT: Rick Reed of the U.S. Census Bureau, +1-301-763-2812, fax: +1-301-763-3762, richard.thomas.reed-at-census.gov

SOURCE U.S. Census Bureau