EBONITE INTERNATIONAL SPONSORS LANDMARK EVENT

HOPKINSVILLE, KY – The Brands of Ebonite International have agreed to sponsor the 2012 Bowling’s U.S. Women’s Open, to be held in Reno, Nev., with the finals right on legendary Virginia Street. The 2012 event will also feature the introduction of the first-ever Bowling’s Senior U.S. Women’s Open, for participants over fifty years-old.

Ebonite International previously partnered with the Bowling Proprietors’ Association of America (BPAA) in 2011 to announce that, for the first time in the history of the sport, a Women’s Major professional bowling event would be held in a traditional sporting venue. The success of the 2011 event, held at Cowboys Stadium in Arlington, Tex., led Ebonite International to its decision to sponsor again in 2012.

“We were pleased with the success of last year’s event,” said Randy Schickert, CEO of Ebonite International. “Our partners at the BPAA did a fantastic job running the tournament, and nearly 300 women from across the globe participated. The U.S. Open is an important event in any sport, and bowling is no different. There are competitive women bowlers out there who need a venue to compete, and we’re proud to support that event.”

Leanne Hulsenberg of Roseville, Calif., adds that women’s bowling has been fortunate to have the support of the Brands of Ebonite International. The 27-time professional champion Hulsenberg earned $50,000 as the 2011 Bowling’s U.S. Women’s Open winner, and surprised many with her first title win in nearly a decade.

“It’s always a good thing to have the best company in bowling support the best events,” said Hulsenberg. “Ebonite International goes all in when they support something, and they definitely did that last year. They had their entire staff present, including tour reps and PBA players, to lend a hand, and it was appreciated.”

Hosting the event in Reno this year will add the excitement of the National Bowling Stadium to the mix, as both the Women’s Open and Senior Open events will take place simultaneously, beginning June 21. The National Bowling Stadium, built in 1995, boasts 78 lanes and permanent seating for 1100 spectators, and has been the host of many national bowling tournaments.

While qualifying will be held in the Stadium, the real excitement will be the finals held on Virginia Street. The top five bowlers earn a spot in the finals on June 27 and will compete on specially constructed lanes right be-low the famous Reno sign, announcing it as the ‘Biggest Little City in the World.’ For a second consecutive year, the Open finals, in addition to the newly-added Senior Open finals, will be broadcast on ESPN’s family of networks.

“I know that I’ll work just as hard this year as I did last,” added Hulsenberg. “I only live about two hours away, but I hope that all the great women bowlers across the country will come out like they did in Dallas. I will defi-nitely be there to defend my title.”