American Hero’s Scott O’Grady and Kevin Sweeney to Bring Messages of Teamwork, Survival and Inspiration

ARLINGTON, Texas (February 1, 2012) – Two American flying heroes have been added to the speakers’ list at the 2012 International Bowl Expo (IBE12) June 24-28, 2012 in Reno, Nevada. The Bowling Proprietors’ Association of America (BPAA) today announced former Air Force Capt. Scott O’Grady and Lt. Col. Kevin J. Sweeney USAF (Ret.) will give Thought Leader presentations during the bowling industry’s annual convention and trade show.

As an F-16 jet fighter pilot, Scott O’Grady logged over 1,000 hours – 1,300 military hours during his 12-year career. On June 2, 1995, O’Grady was flying a routine mission to enforce the NATO No Fly Zone over war-torn Bosnia when his Viper was shot down by enemy fire. Alone – facing death, capture and the elements – he discovered within himself the spirit to go on and relied on the skills learned during a lifetime of preparing for the unthinkable. O’Grady survived for nearly six days eating leaves, grass and insects and evaded capture by Serb patrols until he was rescued by U.S. Marines on June 8.

A 23-year veteran U.S. Air Force pilot, Kevin Sweeney flew combat tours in both Viet Nam and Desert Storm where, during a night combat mission, led his team to safety during a remarkable night assault when two of the four engines on his KC135 refueling tanker (military version of Boeing 707) were ripped off. As a result of his actions, Lt. Col. Sweeney and his crew were awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross “for heroism or extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight.”

“Lt. Col. Sweeney combines a passion for success with a team building vision that establishes trust in the organization,” said Steve Johnson, executive director of the BPAA. “Attendees will be inspired by his stories of perseverance through adversity and, by the end of his message; they will come away with a feeling that they can achieve peak performance.”

Johnson added, “Capt. O’Grady’s keynote will detail the preparation, teamwork and leadership responsible for his survival and for his dramatic rescue – qualities that are crucial to success in every facet of business and life,” adding, “The ingenuity and fortitude that kept him alive in hostile territory for over a week will inspire the audience to their own groundbreaking achievements.”

During Bowl Expo week, for the first time ever, Bowling’s U.S. Women’s Open, bowling’s preeminent professional women’s tournament, will hold its finals at night under the famous Reno Arch on Virginia Street. Also, the first-ever Senior U.S. Women’s Open will be held and a champion crowned. The championships, scheduled to air July 3, at 8:00 p.m. Eastern on ESPN 2, are all part of an American celebration befitting the nation’s number one participatory sport, complete with fireworks and numerous other surprises.

About Bowling Proprietors’ Association of America

The Bowling Proprietors' Association of America (BPAA), founded in 1932, serves as the voice of the bowling industry. Headquartered in Arlington, TX at the International Bowling Campus, the BPAA provides its more than 4,000 member centers with group purchasing programs, business and educational seminars, and legislative representation and proactively promotes the association and bowling industry. The BPAA's mission is to enhance the profitability of its member centers and raise the profile of bowling, America's top-ranked participatory sport. For additional information, please visit www.bpaa.com or call 1-800-343-1329.

About International Bowl Expo

International Bowl Expo (IBE) is the bowling industry’s premier annual convention and trade show featuring exhibits and a wide array of products and services. IBE also presents dozens of interactive seminars and “how-to” workshops that aim to assist proprietors, leveraging the latest tools and technology to improve and strengthen their businesses. The sessions serve to educate and expose proprietors to the latest trends, marketing ideas, profit center opportunities and new information about the industry to help build their businesses and spread the excitement of bowling throughout their communities.