11th September, Kuala Lumpur: In an emotional atmosphere at today's FIQ congress meeting in Kuala Lumpur, Bowling's highest honours were bestowed on several of the sport's most respected leaders.

The prestigious Diamond Pin for his outstanding contribution and service to Bowling was posthumously awarded to World Ninepin Bowling Association former President Herbert Schwarz. A letter of acceptance by his widow Barbara acknowledging the Award was read by NBS President, Rosemarie Kerres.

Earlier in the day's proceedings, a minute's silence had been observed in respect for Herbert Schwarz and others who had passed away since the previous Congress.

Gold Pins were presented to the President of WNBA, Section Bohle, Niels Nasser, WNBA's Frans Kerres and Hans Kriha, Asian Bowling Federation President Vivien Fung and Canada's Hazel McLeary in recognition of their contribution to many facets of the sport as administrators and officials.

Although absent from the Congress meeting today, WTBA Secretary-General Rune Widdell was also honoured with an FIQ Gold Pin, presented during the World Championships Welcome Reception this evening by Malaysia's Minister of Youth and Sports, YB Dato Hishammuddin Tun Hussein.

Athletes from 65 countries have arrived in the Malaysian capital for the 15th WTBA World Championships which begin with the Men's Singles event on Thursday, 11 September and conclude with a live-televised Masters Finals on Saturday, 20 September.

For further information, please contact WTBA Media Director, Lynne Clay at lynneclay@wtba.ws or via the World Championships Media Room Phone +60 3 7492 0902