When East End residents cried out for an additional recreational outlet, professional bowler Quinton Hayward sacrificed more than his career to meet their needs ? he took out another mortgage on his house and opened the Southside Family Bowl at Clearwater.

Forced to quit competing on the US Professional Bowlers Association (PBA) tour, he then filled his days restoring the former US Navy-operated facility.

Now, four years down the road he has absolutely no regrets.

"A lot of people complained there was nothing recreational to do in the area and it just bugged me because I knew what I had to offer. I knew what this area could do but it was also scary because sometimes people support you and sometimes they don't," recalled Hayward, who initially had declined an offer to run the lanes.

Prior to the US Navy's departure from the former base in 1995, the 63 year-old motor mechanic was asked whether he had any interest in taking over the facility. The answer then, however, was an emphatic "no" as Hayward was riding high on the crest of a series of sterling performances on the PBA senior tour.

"They (navy personnel ) asked me would I like to take over the bowling centre since I had been running it for nine years," he continued. "But I wasn't interested because I was having one of my best times on the senior PGA tour and I wasn't ready to return home on a full-time basis."

Hayward earned professional status in 1975, winning once on tour during a successful career in which he also placed in the top 25 on several occasions.

"We were looking forward to tearing up our mortgage in March (2000) and having a big celebration," he continued.

"But I have no regrets. It has been excellent and people from both ends of the Island continue to support us. We couldn't have asked for better support."

Hayward is particularly grateful for the backing of his wife of nearly 23 years, Glorita.

"I have a very supportive wife and she pushes me. Whenever I was going to make a top 24 finish (on tour) she would take a plane and fly up to be by my side. I could not have asked for a more supportive person. She works days (in the bank) and then joins me (at Southside) in the evening without any complaints."

The veteran bowler's achievements on the lanes have not gone unnoticed as last month he was the proud recipient of the Ministry of Sports Achievement Award at the Annual Sports Awards ceremony.

"It was a great feeling to be honoured and it was nice to know that bowling was finally recognised," said Hayward. "Bowling is not really a spectator sport but it is one of those sports which people don't understand. I think a lot of people think we are just rolling a ball down a lane . . . but that is not so."

While Hayward has his hands full operating the business, he still manages to find time to strive for another 'perfect game', a feat the Bermudian has achieved four times during his career.

"I've got four tournaments lined up for this year, " he said. "But I used to go out three months at a time and play every week all over the US. And I loved it."

Much like those who continue to flock to Southside.