Chris Via Completes Trio of PBA Tour Advocates for BVL
FAIRFAX, Va. – The Bowlers to Veterans Link (BVL) has announced that Professional Bowlers Association (PBA) Tour champion Chris Via of Blacklick, Ohio, will become the third PBA Tour Advocate for BVL.
Via, who won the 2021 U.S. Open, joins two-time PBA Tour champion and fellow Team USA member Packy Hanrahan and three-time PBA Player of the Year EJ Tackett as PBA Tour advocates for BVL. In January, BVL announced Tackett as the first person to fill the newly created position, and Hanrahan joined the BVL team in March.
Since forming in 1942, the BVL has funded a variety of programs, particularly in recreation therapy, that benefit veterans and those in active duty.
Via looks forward to joining Tackett and Hanrahan to help promote all the worthwhile projects and good works BVL provides for veterans.
“It’s truly an honor to be able to represent the BVL,” Via said. “I’m thrilled to be able to help raise money for those who put their lives on the line in order for us to have the freedoms that we do. I can’t wait to get started!”
Via, a 33-year-old two-hander who throws the ball from the right side, collected his lone (thus far) PBA Tour title in major fashion when he took home the trophy at the 2021 U.S. Open in Reno, Nevada. Via qualified as the top seed for the stepladder finals and edged Jakob Butturff, 214-213, in the title match.
Via’s 2021 season was historic for another reason as he became the first person to roll multiple 300 games on TV in the same season. Via’s perfect games came at the PBA Players Championship East Region Finals in Jupiter, Florida, and the PBA Tour Finals in Allen Park, Michigan.
Via’s notoriety and position among the ranks of PBA Tour players makes him a logical choice as a PBA Tour Advocate to help raise awareness and bring attention to the BVL cause. BVL is the official charity of the PBA.
“BVL is proud to welcome Chris Via, standout talent on the PBA Tour and member of Storm Bowling, as our newest ambassador and partner in service,” said Nancy Schenk, BVL Chairperson. “With Storm joining the ranks alongside Brunswick and Motiv, BVL is now honored to have the support of all three major bowling ball manufacturers. Together, we’re united in our mission to uplift and give back to those who have bravely served. Chris Via’s commitment to excellence and community makes him a perfect fit to help us share the good deeds of BVL with veterans across the country.”
Via’s bowling prowess is not limited to the PBA Tour. Via is a seven-time and current member of Team USA where he has collected 13 medals (five gold) during international competition. He also won the 2016 U.S. Amateur title and owns an Eagle in Regular All-Events at the 2021 United States Bowling Congress Open Championships.
About BVL
Since 1942, the BVL has remained bowling’s longest-running charity, providing funding to veterans and active-duty military for recreation therapy programs that address the emotional and physical needs of those in need. The BVL is a national nonprofit 501 (c) (3) charity that is consistently acknowledged for providing effective programming — efficiently. For more information on BVL, visit www.bvl.org.
