The World Games & World Championships

As I am returning from the World Games I began to think back to the event’s closing ceremonies. It was truly a spectacular presentation to be a part of. It really has struck me that there really is a great big world out there. More specifically a great big sporting world.

For those of you unfamiliar with the world games it is basically a sporting event that encompasses sports that are not currently (and fighting to be) part of the Olympics. Countries from every corner of the globe are represented competing in many sports that are all but unknown to Americans. Some of the sports at the world games included Korfball, Fistball & Wushu. I am not making these up.

To the rest of the world, even the term bowling is not a specific enough explanation of what we do. Usually I have to say Tenpin Bowling because if you say just bowling around the world it could mean Bowls (Lawn Bowling), cricket bowling, or even the new sport I learned about at the World Games, Boules. So what can differentiate ourselves from the rest of the sports fighting to get into the Olympics?

It has nothing to do with all of the typical things Bowlers think, oil patterns, scoring pace or even equipment. None of that matters to the people of the International Olympic Committee.

The answer is simple: Support

When I say support I don’t simply mean financially. I mean support for the game. Support the game by playing it. Support the game by rooting for your favorite players, teams & country. Support the game by not bad mouthing it. Support the game by turning new people on to it. And most importantly support the game by enjoying it.

Team USA would love to have your support this month at the combined Men’s & Women’s World Championships in Las Vegas. Both teams will be defending team gold and we would love to have a great support system on hand to cheer for us on our home soil.

The event takes place August 19-30 at Sunset Station in Henderson, NV. All the information on the event can be found here.

There will be many influential people on hand and if we can have a great crowd and an electric atmosphere we will be one step closer to being a part of the Olympic Games.

I hope to see you in Vegas wearing your red, white & blue!

-Mike