7th August, Kuala Lumpur: Sunway Pyramid and Asian Bowling Digest will jointly present the inaugural Asian Bowl Fair 2003 which will be staged at the Lower Level 2, Oceania Square, Sunway Pyramid Shopping Mall from September 10-14th.

Held for the first time in the country this auspicious event will be one of the highlights of the Asian bowling calendar and coincides with the staging of the 15th WTBA World Championships held at Pyramid Megalanes from September 9-20th.

Some of the biggest companies in the bowling world have confirmed their participation namely, Ebonite, Hammer, Columbia, Brunswick, ABS Japan, AMF, Computer Score Australia, Storm, VIA (China), Qubica, Kegel, Dynothane, Rotogrip, Dexter and Turbo 4-n-1 Grips.

Some companies will have their bowling staff on hand to handle all the enquiries about the latest technologies and products. Ball drillers will be present and bowlers both local and international are invited to have new balls drilled. The public can buy the latest balls and have it drilled on the spot.

In attendance will be Hammer staff player Mike Bixler, the winner of 2002 Super Hoinke, a well-known bowling tournament in the US. Bixler has been responsible for assisting staff players with drilling layouts in major tournaments. Also present will be Storm's Hank Boomershine, a respected figure in ball drilling.

"Through this event, we are able to contribute to the well-being of the community and at the same time, fulfill our role as a responsible corporate citizen in promoting healthy living. We believe The Asian Bowl Fair provides an effective platform to promote this particular sports further, which Malaysia has gained much success in the bowling arena" said Kevin Tan, Director of Marketing, Sunway Pyramid.

Crowds are expected to turn up for two reasons. Firstly, the Sunway Pyramid Shopping Mall lies in one of the largest and most affluent neighbourhoods in the Klang Valley. Secondly, with the fair being staged during the world championships also within the same shopping center almost 1, 000 bowlers and officials will be present during the period.

"Our objectives are essentially two-fold. One is to provide at the exhibitor level an opportunity to present to the general public a showcase of their latest products and services. Second, is to create an event for bowling enthusiasts where they can either buy products at great discounts or gain invaluable information for their own bowling business," Suzannah Gan Palmer, publisher, Asian Bowling Digest.

Mrs Palmer confirmed that the fair would be an annual affair and efforts would be made to grow the show further in coming years.

She added that an effective advertising and promotional campaign has been staged with advertisements, on-ground publicity via banners, poster and flyers to boost awareness for this much-awaited event.

A total of 14 booths will be set up in the display area with companies displaying products like bowling balls, accessories, apparel, scoring systems, etc.

For more information, please visit Asian Bowl Fair website.