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CNMI bowling gets support from MARPAC, Budweiser anew
SBA and PBA general secretary and tournament director Ross Zapanta, second from left, shows the $6,000 check that represents MARPAC and Budweiser’s annual sponsorship packages for CNMI bowling. The donation turnover ceremony was held last month at MARPAC’s office was and attended by MARPAC sales manager James Lee, left, MARPAC resident manager Guy Pudney, and SBA vice president Ador Dimaano, right.
(Contributed Photo)
With MARPAC and Budweiser’s sponsorship, SBA was able to conduct its yearly major tournament—the CNMI May Masters Bowling Tournament. For the past seven years, MARPAC and Budweiser have also been the major sponsors of SBA’s monthly and annual Budweiser King and Queen of the Lanes. Proceeds from these tournaments have been a source of funding for SBA’s participation in international competitions.
SBA is an official member of the International Bowling Federation, the World Tenpin Bowling Association, the Asian Bowling Federation, and the Asian Intercity Bowling Council. With MARPAC’s sponsorship, SBA was able to sustain its membership with the world and regional governing bodies of the sport. Therefore, CNMI bowlers can participate in international competitions.
Since the Philippine Bowling Association was organized in 1989, MARPAC has been its principal sponsor. From its early beginnings of just running the PBA-Budweiser Saturday Night Bowling League, the PBA has been able to organize and manage other weekly bowling leagues. From 1991, PBA has also been able to conduct the annual PBA-Budweiser Bowler of the Year Tournament and the annual PBA-Budweiser Classified Tournament. Saipan bowlers look forward to these two major PBA events for the very generous cash awards.
The SBA has been in existence for decades, while the PBA is celebrating its 25th year. With Marpac’s support, the sport was able to retain loyal players. That support also contributed to the development of better bowlers. The CNMI now have more bowlers that can average over 200 pin falls in leagues and tournaments and more bowlers had bowled the perfect “300” games.
Saipan bowlers can only say a big thank you to MARAPAC and Budweiser for being a major sponsor of the sport. (SBA)
