Bowling is more than just a popular pastime—it is a competitive sport with a strong presence in many regions around the world. In the Americas, bowling has evolved into a major sport with organized international competitions, youth participation, and national representation. One of the most prominent events that highlights this growth is the Tournament of the Americas, held annually and hosted by the Bowling Tournaments of the Americas Association.
This article was written for Blue and Gray Press
A Brief History of Bowling in the Americas
While bowling can trace its roots back thousands of years to ancient Egypt and later Europe, it found a new home in the Americas in the 20th century. The sport gained widespread popularity in North America, particularly in the United States, before spreading southward. Countries in Central and South America began forming national federations and participating in international tournaments. Today, bowling is practiced competitively in many countries across the region.
What Is the Tournament of the Americas?
The Tournament of the Americas is one of the oldest and most respected international bowling tournaments in the Western Hemisphere. First held in the 1960s, it brings together athletes from North America, Central America, South America, and the Caribbean. The event is designed to promote regional unity through sport and to give bowlers of all ages a platform to compete at an international level.
Categories and Format
What sets this tournament apart is its wide range of divisions. It includes categories for:
- Adult bowlers
- Seniors (50+)
- Super Seniors (60+)
- Junior A (Under 20)
- Junior B (Under 16)
- New: Junior C (Under 12) – introduced in 2020
Competitors participate in singles, doubles, trios, and team events, accumulating points to win medals both individually and as national teams.
Changes in Team Structure
As of 2020, the tournament introduced new rules to make participation more inclusive. Previously, countries could only send limited, gender-specific teams. Now, there’s no cap on the number of bowlers per country, and teams can be co-ed (mixed gender), allowing for more diverse and flexible team formations. This change reflects a larger shift in sports culture toward inclusivity and equal opportunity.
Other Bowling Events in the Region
In addition to the Tournament of the Americas, the organization has also hosted events like:
- Fort Lauderdale International Open – an open-format event welcoming international players
- World Seniors Invitational – a tournament aimed at senior-level bowlers
Although some of these events are no longer active, they played a role in developing the competitive bowling scene in the Americas.
Youth Development and Future Growth
One of the most encouraging aspects of bowling in the Americas is its focus on youth development. Many countries now have junior leagues, school programs, and national training centers. The addition of categories for under-12 bowlers in major tournaments is a strong signal of investment in the next generation.
For young athletes, these tournaments offer a stepping stone to more elite international competitions such as the World Bowling Championships or even future Olympic qualification—should the sport be added to the Olympic roster.
Bowling as a Unifying Sport
At its core, the sport of bowling offers accessibility. It does not require extreme physical attributes or expensive equipment. This makes it a perfect sport for inclusive international competitions like the Tournament of the Americas. Countries with smaller sports budgets or fewer resources can still compete on a fairly level playing field.
Conclusion
Bowling in the Americas is more than just a hobby—it’s a growing sport with a passionate following and a rich history of international competition. From the inclusive nature of the Tournament of the Americas to the ongoing commitment to youth development, the sport continues to evolve. Whether you’re a competitive bowler or a fan of international sports, bowling in the Americas is a fascinating space to watch.