LEWISTON — Sparetime Recreation is inviting the public to bowl their first game for free in an attempt to break the current record of 923,948 bowling games played in a single day.

The 2011 National Bowling Week kicks off July 30 with the record-breaking attempt to occur on National Bowling Day, August 6. On August 6, anyone who downloads a free game coupon at www.gobowling.com may bowl one game for free and take part in the World Record breaking event. For their efforts, they will also receive a certificate to verify their participation.

“In Maine and across the United States, bowling has seen an incredible resurgence in popularity. We are proud to celebrate a great year for bowling and to thank all of the people who have supported our center,” said Andy Couture, owner of Sparetime Recreation bowling centers in Augusta, Lewiston, and Waterville. “We are excited to join thousands of centers, from coast-to-coast across the United States, in attempting to set a new world record. We invite bowlers of all levels and talents to stop by and bowl for free as we try to help make history.”

The World Record Event and National Bowling Week are sponsored by the Bowling Proprietors’ Association of America (BPAA), Strike Ten Entertainment (STE), the International Bowling Pro Shop and Instructors Association (IBPSIA), the Professional Bowlers Association (PBA) and the United States Bowling Congress (USBC).

For more information about National Bowling Week and bowling in general, visit www.gobowling.com or www.sparetimerec.com.

Mt. Blue youth football signups

FARMINGTON — Mt. Blue Area Youth Football will be conducting instructional camp and regular season signups at Kemp Field on Sunday, August 14 for the 2011 season.

Players entering grades 7 and 8 can sign up and get equipment from noon to 2 p.m., Grades 5-6 from 2 to 4 p.m., andGrades 3-4 from 4 to 6 p.m.

A second signup will be held on Monday, August 15 from 5 to  6 p.m. An instructional camp for all grade levels will be conducted August 15–18, from 6 to 8 p.m. All players should report to Kemp Field at 5 p.m. on August 22 for the start of the regular season.

For questions, call Steve Haley at 645-4834. There is a fee for participation with ssistance available upon request.

Travel softball tryout

BIDDEFORD — The Southern Maine Flame, “Maine’s Premier Fastpitch Softball Organization,” will be conducting tryouts for the 2012 Season. The Southern Maine Flame competes throughout New England and has won four New England championships, 15 state championships and 38 other titles since 2000.

A $100 deposit is required at tryouts. Deposits are refunded if not selected to a team. Tryouts are as follows:

U10 – Doran Field, 329 South Street, Biddeford, August 5 & 11, 5:30-8:00 p.m.

U12 – Doran Field, 329 South Street, Biddeford, August 4 & 12, 5:30-8:00 p.m. 

U14 – May Field, 130 May Street, Biddeford, August 10 & 17, 5:30-8:00 p.m.

U16  – May Field, 130 May Street, Biddeford, August 11 & 18, 5:30-8:00 p.m.

U18 – May Field, 130 May Street, Biddeford, , August 14, 10 a.m.-noon.

For more information, email [email protected].

Showcase baseball tryout

PORTLAND — The Showcase League, a wooden bat fall baseball league for high school level prospective college athletes, will be holding a tryout at Hadlock field in Portland on Sunday, August 7th at 10 a.m.

Play against the top talent in Maine, New Hampshire, Massachusetts and Vermont. The season is only nine weeks long and is the most affordable fall baseball program in the state.

Interested players should register directly at www.showcaseleague.com or contact Shawn Manfredo at [email protected] or David Desmond at [email protected] for more information.

Swing For Kids softball tourney

AUBURN — The inaugural Swing For Kids softball tournament Saturday, August 20 at Auburn Rec fields will benefit youth athletic programming.

It is a lower level men’s recreational tournament. Fee is $225. Format is double elimination. Three home run limit with ASA rules and bats. Food and drink are available, and the championship game will be played under the lights.

Registration deadline is August 18. There will be a home run derby at 6 p.m. August 19. Send entry fee and roster to Auburn Parks and Recreation, 48 Pettengill Park Road, Auburn, Maine 04210.

For more information, contact Jeremy Gatcomb at 333-6601, ext. 2100, or [email protected].