A host of local champions and rising stars will set the bar high for what promises to be a thrilling month of competition, presented by the National Drilling Company (NDC), across four eligibility categories.
The Open competition is set to be tougher than ever with all three 2015 podium placers – Hussain Al Suwaidi, Mahmoud Al Attar and Naif Oqab – confirmed to return.
The UAE national team trio have their sights set on victory but will face tough competition from fellow countrymen including father/son duo Mohamed and Sultan Al Qubaisi, further emphasising the popularity of the sport amongst Emiratis.
Rising star and 2015 Youth division winner Samantha Hannan will also return to defend her title and intends to make a run at a top finish in the Open category. She will be bowling alongside ladies including other expats and members of the UAE National Team who competed in the prestigious World Bowling Women’s Championship, held at Zayed Sports City in December 2015.
The community tournament expects to see almost 200 entrants compete in a series of late-night competitions in pursuit of trophies and valuable cash prizes at the 40-lane bowling facility, which is fast becoming recognised as an international bowling hub.
The number and quality of participants has grown exponentially since the tournament’s establishment in 1999, with the 2016 competition also drawing the attention of squads from Kuwait, Bahrain and Oman.
Barry Bremner, General Manager at Zayed Sports City, said: “The Ramadan Bowling Tournament presented by NDC offers world-class facilities, professional organisation, and a significant prize pot. This attracts the best talent and provides a challenging competitive environment.
“This combination has given the Ramadan Bowling Tournament a fantastic reputation and each year bowlers from around the region are finding ways to participate.
He added: “It is a fun and inclusive tournament with a strong legacy that any bowler would be remiss not to be a part of.”
Around 200 people will compete from June 5-29.
In addition to the youth, amateur (for bowlers with averages of 185 or below), and the high-powered open divisions, the disabled category will return on 12 and 13 June 2016, in partnership with the UAE Disabled Sports Federation.
The Ramadan Bowling Tournament presented by NDC is unique in that it unites the community whilst promoting health, fitness, inclusiveness and friendly competitive spirit during the Holy Month.
Further adding to the excitement, bowlers will compete for a prize purse of AED 140,000, the UAE’s largest on offer for the sport, made possible by sponsors NDC.
The Ramadan Bowling Tournament presented by NDC is held from 9pm to 3am daily between 5 and 29 June 2015 at Khalifa International Bowling Centre, inside Zayed Sports City.
For further information please visit the website – www.zsc.ae – or visit the Facebook page by searching ‘Zayed Sports City’.
To register for the Ramadan Bowling Tournament presented by NDC, please contact [email protected] or call 02 403 4648.
