25th July, Lincoln, Nebraska: Three out the four Hong Kong youths will make their debut at the 14th World Youth Bowling Championships commencing on July 26 at Sun Valley Lanes, Lincoln, Nebraska.
A total of 207 youths from 37 countries from around the world marched past in front of a packed crowd at the Sun Valley Lanes during the opening ceremony held yesterday. The youths comprised of 128 boys and 79 girls accompanied by 86 team officials and coaches have converged in Lincoln, Nebraska, USA.
Fourteen countries from the Asian zone, nine from the American zone and fifteen from the European zone made up the 37 nations. Asian zone is represented by Australia, Hong Kong, Japan, South Korea, Kuwait, Macau, Malaysia, Oakistan, Philippines, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Chinese Taipei and Singapore.
Canada, Colombia, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, Mexico, Peru, Puerto Rico, Venezuela and host United States of America made up the American zone. Europe is represented by England, Finland, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Netherlands, Norway, Russia, Scotland, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Ukraine and Uzbekistan.
Hong Kong team, Ivan Tse, Alex Yu, Tony Wong and James Lui
The teams paraded in front of HRH Sheikh Talal Mohammad Al-Sabah, President of World Bowling, the guest of honour, Mr Chri Beutler, the Mayor of Lincoln city and Ms Roma Amundson, Lancaster County Commissioner, other dignitaries, guests and a pack crowd.
Also present were Mr Martin Faba, President of the Pan-American Bowling Congress and tournament director, Mr Kevin Dunkle, Lincoln USBC Association Manager and event chairman and Mr John Losito, Proprietor of Sun Valley Lanes and QubicaAMF Software Specialist.
Other dignitatires included members of the World Bowling Executive Board, Mr Kevin Dornberger (former President and current CEO of World Bowling) and Mr Ulf Sjoblom (2nd Vice President and Swedish Bowling Federation President). World Bowling Presidium members, Mr Addie Ophelders (European Bowling Federation President) and Mr Kim Jensen (Europe).
After the team parade, there was a presentation of the Colors Guard by representatives of the Lancaster Country Sheriffs Office and Lincoln Police Department followed by the National Anthem of United States of America sung by students from Lincoln Pius X High School. The capacity crowd were then entertained with dances from the Native American group.
Sheikh Talal, on behlaf of World Bowling, welcome all participants and officials to the World Youth Championships followed by the inspiring speech by Lincoln City mayor, Mr Beutler.
Teams from 37 countries parade at the opening
Lancaster County Commissioner, Ms Amundson thanked and encouraged all the participants and officials to spend time to visit the historical Lincoln city when they have time off the competition.
The speeches ended with Mr Losito, the proprietor of Sun Valley Lanes providing words of wisdom and encouragements to the participants and hoped that they will find the event exciting to compete in and the facilities and services rendered by his hard working staff adequate.
Hand plaques, as tokens of appreciation, were handed to the distinguished guests by members of the organising committee and staff of Sun Valley Lanes. Mr Del Wendt took the officials oath while members of Team USA, Mr Wesley Low Jr. and Ms Gazmine Mason took the athletes oath.
Ealier in the day, the Team Managers meeting were held to finalise the competition with teams confirming their line up, going through some important points pertaining to the rules of the championships and technical matters. Also discussed were lane rotation, registration of bowling balls and opening ceremony procedures.
Members of the 14th World Youth Championships were Mr Kevin Dornberger (CEO, World Bowling), Mr Martin Faba (Championship Director), Mr Marios Nikolaidis (Technical Director).
Mr John Losito (Tournament Manager) and Dr Danny Santos (Administrative Assistant) were the remaining two who formed the head table which conducted the meeting.
The technical director also handed out the Rome 45-feet World Bowling oiling pattern that will be used for the championships. Before the meeting ended, several team officials and coaches put forward questions regarding technical issues to members of the head table and they were delt with appropriately.
Members of the techincal committee of the championships
Except for this year's East Asian Championships Singles gold medalist, Tony Wong, the three debutants are James Lui, Ivan Tse and Alex Yu. Wong would want to repeat his superb performance from Guam to Lincoln.
Lui, who won the Masters bronze medal at the East Asian Championship, had a poor run on home soil at the 42nd Hong Kong International Open. He will attempt to make amends with an exceptional performance in Linoln.
Tse stepped up his performance by winning the Youth Masters finals during last week's 42nd Hong Kong International Open. Alex Yu, who won the All Events gold medal at the same championship, is looking forward to another stella display against some of the best in the world.
The team is led by Team official, Frankie Cheung, who have been to numerous youth championships and will be able to provide much needed help Hong Kong youths at the meet. Kent Li is the coach for the team here at add value to the team.
The official practice will be held tomorrow, July 25 with countries divided into five squads. The competition proper will kick off with the Singles (Boys and Girls) on July 26 and 27. The Doubles on July 28 and 29, and the Team on July 30 and 31.
Qualifiers of the Masters Finals, based on their All Events (18 games from the Singles, Doubles and Team events) will contest Step 1 and 2 finals on July 1 and concluding the championships with the Step 3 and 4 finals on July 2.
Photos by Terence Yaw in Lincoln, Nebraska..
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