Albuquerque – The National Bowling Association Western Regional tournament will take place in Albuquerque November 2 – 4, 2007 at Silva Lanes, Leisure Bowl, Holiday Bowl and Lucky 66 Bowl. The three-day tournament will bring approximately 1,500 competitors to Albuquerque from around New Mexico, Colorado, Arizona, California, Washington, Oregon and Nevada. Teams and individuals will compete in mixed doubles, teams, and Men’s and Women’s singles and doubles events.
 
The 2007 tournament is the first Western Regional to be held in Albuquerque. According to the Visit Albuquerque, the tournament is expected to produce 750 hotel room nights and generate more than $200,000 in direct spending for Albuquerque’s economy.

History of the Organization

The National Bowling Association is the largest black owned and operated sports organization in the nation. All peoples regardless of race, creed or color are welcome to join TNBA in sportsmanship, fellowship and friendship.    

Blacks have had great difficulties in bowling. Bowling began in the Midwest and is the most popular indoor athletic activity for the average citizen. In cities where there were few alleys but a sizable black population, racial friction was inevitable. Consequently, by the late 1930s, blacks decided to form their own association of clubs. Thus, was born the National Negro Bowling Association (NNBA). The NNBA was organized on August 20, 1939, in Detroit. The primary factor in its formation was the "Caucasians only" clause in the constitutions of the white American Bowling Congress (ABC) and the Women's International Bowling Congress (WIBC). In 1939, the NNBA held its first tournament in Cleveland. Although only men competed in this first event, women began one year later. Chicago, Detroit, and Cleveland produced the best black bowlers during the Second World War. The NNBA suspended play from 1943 to 1945, and changed its name in 1944 to The National Bowling Association (TNBA).

Visit www.tnbainc.org for additional information on the organization.