The Foundation Establishes The John Davis Award

 
Joyce Deitch Honored

In a surprise presentation (to both the namesake of the award and the recipient), Joyce Deitch was presented the 1st Annual John Davis Award at the Bowl Expo convention in Las Vegas.

"I was beyond shocked", she stated after the presentation. "I've always been fascinated by everything that happens on that side of the foul line, but I've never been particularly public about it. It was really a surprise to learn that there was an awareness of my concern and a known dedication to that part of the sport. Thank you so much for the recognition of a much ignored and critical piece of the future of bowling. The concept of honoring those who contribute to that (area) is needed, and John Davis (along with The Foundation) is the ideal person to be associated with that recognition". Jim Dressel, Editor of Bowlers Journal and Foundation Member (who took the pictures of the presentation), told The Foundation; "you couldn't have made a better choice".

Joyce was presented with a beautiful hand made, two-piece, diamond shaped, Lucite trophy. It had The Foundation Logo - "One World, One Game" on it, along with the following inscription: Presented to Joyce Deitch - 2001 "The John Davis Award" Presented by The Foundation to a Member for Outstanding Contributions and Extraordinary Efforts on Behalf of the Advancement of the Sport of Bowling. That (trophy) was hers to keep. A perpetual Plaque, bearing those same words, will be permanently displayed at the home of The Foundation in Sebring, Florida.

When Davis was asked his thoughts on the honor, he replied; "That was quite a deal. I was looking for a place to hide during the presentation". He added, "Had I known about this, she would have been my first choice, too".

  A Little Background

Originally from International Falls, Minnesota, Joyce moved to Walla Walla, Washington to attend Whitman College. In 1952, she moved to Boulder City where she got started in bowling when a friend asked her to sub on a team. She now resides in Las Vegas. She is a Charter Member of The Foundation. After falling in love with the sport, she got involved with the City Association and then the State Association. Some of the highlights of her career were being involved with the I.O.C. in the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics; the 1988 WIBC Olympics in Korea, and naturally being elected President of the WIBC. She has many fond memories; including working the PBA Tournaments at the Showboat in Las Vegas (for years) under famed PBA Tournament Director Harry Golden. She proudly recalls, being one of "Goose's Girl's". She has also served on perhaps every committee that has had any importance in this great sport, not only in this country, but in all parts of the world. She feels that her main contributions have been as a " problem solver" and her ability to " put people together" has been very rewarding.

She plans on retiring July 31, 2002. That will be a sorry day for bowling. But, I have a feeling that Joyce Deitch will be forced (by ALL of her peers), to stay active in some important capacity. I hope so.