Bowling's world governing body has made no secret of its ambition to secure Olympic inclusion for the sport's tenpin format and today's announcement in Abu Dhabi, where the 2014 World Men's Bowling Championships concluded yesterday, could prove to be a significant milestone in realising that goal. 

The decision to relocate from Arlington in Texas is in line with other recent developments, including the rebranding of the sport's governing body from the World Tenpin Bowling Association to World Bowling, and the launch of a simplified match-play style scoring system, used at the World Bowling Tour men's and women's finals in Las Vegas in November. 

These initiatives, along with an increase in World Bowling's social media presence, are intended to make the sport more accessible and attractive to fans around the world.

"We feel that now is the right time to join the Olympic capital," said Kevin Dornberger, President of World Bowling.

"Being part of the unique sports community in Lausanne will offer us opportunities to exchange experiences and gain knowledge from other Federations.

"I am looking forward to welcoming the sports community to the inauguration of our new office in early 2015."

Kevin Dornberger (front, left), President of World Bowling, says the organisation feels "now is the right time to join the Olympic capital" ©ITG



World Bowling will join more than 50 international sports organisations that have already made Lausanne and the surrounding region of Vaud their home.

"We are delighted to welcome World Bowling to the Olympic capital," said Patrice Iseli, head of sport for the city of Lausanne. 

"Our commitment to and support of sports organisations that choose Lausanne as their home continues to grow stronger each day.

"A sport like bowling that has great ambitions for the future is a welcome addition to our international sports community here."

Nicolas Imhof, head of sports and physical education department of the State of Vaud, added: "World Bowling is an organisation that is in a period of development as it works towards building a stronger future. 

"This is just the type of organisation that we look to welcome here.

"The network of federations, commercial companies and research institutes in the State of Vaud continue to work together and create new and innovative synergies. 

"World Bowling will be a great addition to this network."

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