(ATR)Kevin Dornberger, president of World Bowing, tellsAround the Rings, "Every sport that has Olympic aspirations should be encouraged by the adoption of the Agenda 2020 framework."
On Dec. 8, after a year of anticipation, the IOC adopted all 40 recommendations of the Olympic Agenda 2020 reforms at its Extraordinary Session in Monaco.
Proposed changes included the decision to abolish the cap of 28 sports for the Summer Olympic Program.
When asked whether he thought this development would encourage World Bowling to consider vying for a spot on the 2020 Olympic Program, Dornberger tells ATR it is too early to say.
"At this point, I think any speculation of Tokyo 2020 possibilities is premature, although we do have a strong federation in Japan and bowling is a very popular sport there.
"We need to pay attention to the processes that will be developed by the IOC for Agenda 2020 implementation."
Dornberger tells ATR that for now, World Bowling is focused on its schedule for 2015.
"Next yearis a busy year for us," Dornberger explains. "Two world championships, 16 World Bowling Tour events, the Pan American Games, and a Congress meeting."
New Headquarters for World Bowling
Also on World Bowling's schedule for next year--officials plan to open the organization's new headquarters in Lausanne.Dornberger tellsATRthis relocation will strengthen the organization's place in the international sports community.
"World Bowling will have regular personal contact with other International Federations, WADA, and the IOC.
"I think that if you are a sport that is recognized by the IOC, you will maximize your development opportunities by locating in Lausanne."
Dornberger says the move could however pose some logistical issues including "a new round of paperwork to fulfill organizational requirements and a learning curve on how our Lausanne, Hong Kong, and Texas offices will interact with each other."
World Bowling made the announcement on Monday, following the close of the 2014 World Bowling Men's Championships in Abu Dhabi.The nine-day competition, staged at the Khalifa International Bowling Center,gathered over 270 bowlers from 49 countries.
Dornberger tells ATR thatAbu Dhabi hosted one of the organization's best world championships to date."Probably in the top three we have ever had.
"There were so many volunteers. You couldn't turn around without one of them asking if you needed anything."
A maximum of six bowlers per country competed for gold, silver, and bronze medals in six events including: singles, doubles, trios, team of five, all-events, and masters.
South Korea dominated competition with a win from elite bowler Kang Hee Won in the masters event, and a gold in both the doubles and team of five events. The country also placedfirst in the all-events category.
Canada's Dan MacLelland won the singles event.
When asked what some of his favorite moments from the championships were, Dornberger tellsATR, "The team final between Korea and the United States; the winner came down to the last shots for first Korea, and then the U.S.
"In the end, Korea prevailed by nine pins for their first men’s team gold ever. There was a lot of emotion."
Written byNicole Bennett
Homepage photo: Getty Images
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