Gene Calabro, El Paso’s Bowling Ambassador Dies

Eugene “Gene” Calabro, who helped bring the United States Bowling Congress 2010 Women?s Championship to El Paso, died Feb. 7, 2011.

He was 86.

His honors include being receiving the city’s prestigious Spirit of Amigo Award and being inducted into the El Paso Athletic Hall of Fame and Texas Bowling Hall of Fame.

Special Olympics Texas last year selected Calabro as the 2010 Unified Sports Partner of the Year. Calabro joined the Special Olympics movement 12 years ago because he wanted to share his passion for the sport with men, women and children who have intellectual disabilities, according to the Special Olympics of Texas.

Shortly after Calabro joined the Special Olympics of Texas family, he became a Unified Partner and coach with the organization. According to the organization’s Website, as of last year Calabro was the organization?s state bowling director.

Calabro?s support of the movement goes beyond volunteerism and competing alongside athletes. His Annual Gene Calabro Freeway Lady Keglers Bowling Tournament is one of the area?s most successful events. The family-friendly fundraiser is now in its 19th year and has raised more than $100,000 for Special Olympics – Greater El Paso area.

Calabro loved bowling so much that at any given time was secretary for three to five bowling leagues on a yearly basis. About 45 years ago, Calabro first became a member of the El Paso Bowling Association.

Since 1988, longtime bowler and El Pasoan Calabro has tried to bring the national bowling championships to El Paso. In 2004, he met the right people and his dream became a reality.

For three months in 2010, the El Paso Convention Center became a massive bowling alley, hosting thousands of competitors and their families and was a smashing success.

Calabro was a former New Yorker and U.S. Army Criminal Investigator.