A tournament participant picks up a bowling ball.
OTTUMWA, Iowa – Even though there’s been increased efforts to break the stigma around suicide over the years, it’s still a difficult topic for a lot of people. But, those conversations can save lives.
For one woman in Ottumwa, it’s a topic that hits close to home—and on July 11 and July 12, she did her part to spread awareness through a bowling tournament in partnership with Ottumwa’s Champion Bowl.
After losing her brother Nicholas Roberts to suicide years ago, Kalina Lord founded the non-profit Project Nicholas. Her goal: to spread awareness about men’s mental health while breaking the stigma around suicide.
“The stigma behind mental health is just not talked about enough. I think it’s just important to talk about those things and to reach out—and to keep reaching out when things get tough—because there is a whole community of people that do care and are willing to listen,” Lord said.
Lord started by hosting the First Lines for Life Fishing Contest in the summer of 2025—it was a way to bring people together doing one of Nick’s favorite activities. Nearly a year later, she and the foundation are hosting a similar event focused on another of Nick’s favorite hobbies: bowling. Alexandria Bibby has known Kalina and Nick ever since they were kids.
“He would have supported her—behind the scenes, though. He would have participated today; he loved bowling,” Bibby said.
She and some of her co-workers from Southern Iowa Mental Health make up one of the nine teams competing on day one of the first Strike out Suicide Bowling Tournament. The tournament isn’t limited by age or ability—anybody is welcome to attend. One of the goals is to raise funds for the Nicholas Project. But, more importantly, it’s a chance to get involved with fellow community members and to share information about local mental health resources.
“It’s not about being good at bowling. It’s just about having fun—and so and that’s what we’re doing,” said Laura Webster, one of Bibby’s teammates and Lord’s co-worker.
“This is just to kind of put back into our community, so we can keep on having these events—so we can keep on raising awareness—and again, to hopefully open up a homeless shelter here in Ottumwa for men,” Lord said.
Whether it’s through bowling or fishing, Lord hopes she can spread at least one message.
“There’s another day, and there are people out there that love you,” Lord said.
The Second Annual Lines for Life Fishing Competition will be on September 12 at the Ottumwa Lagoons. Visit the foundation’s Facebook page if you want to get involved with Project Nicholas or want updates about other upcoming events—including a possible Trunk or Treat in the fall.
If you or someone you know is struggling with thoughts of self harm, call or text 988. That line is open 24/7.
