By Jasmine Franklin
A big break has finally come for a Ponoka bowler who is preparing for a masters tournament in June.
“I’d love to win and come home with something,” Kelly Budd laughed. “This year has been incredible.”
After placing fourth in a central Alberta ladies tournament April 10 and 11 in Calgary, Budd now has two months before her first appearance at the national masters bowling tournament in Sudbury, Ont.
Budd has her level 1 out of 3, in bowling instruction, and will compete in five-pin bowling against other instructors from all over Canada June 29 to July 5.
But this isn’t the only accomplishment for the 13-year bowler. Last month, Budd, husband Steve, son Todd and another teammate came first in the Alberta Team Challenge — a three-week national event where all of Canada could enter a team of four — winning $4,200
Also in March, Budd and her husband won bronze at the cash doubles southern Alberta provincial tournament and Budd came fourth with her mixed team, almost qualifying for the Alberta Open tournament.
Leisure Lanes Bowling owner Gay Taylor said it’s been great to watch Budd do so well this year and described her as a determined bowler always willing to lend a helping hand.
“This year has really clicked for her,” Taylor said. “We are really proud of her.”
Budd began bowling in 1997 when her son Todd took up the sport. She now coaches Ponoka teams whenever she is asked and tries to make it to the bowling alley every Wednesday.
Budd’s two other, children Brooklyn, 7, and Jayce, 6, are continuing the family hobby while bowling with their mom every Wednesday.
“I learned just by really watching other bowlers and taking lessons whenever I could,” Budd said. “I just do it in my spare time but I really do enjoy it.”