LAUSANNE, Switzerland May 3, 2021 – International Bowling Federation (IBF), the global governing body for the sport of Tenpin, Ninepin and Para Bowling, and Funk, family owned and operated, Funk and sister company Spellmann have over 130 years of experience in the bowling equipment manufacturing and installation business, are excited to announce they have entered into a new long term agreement granting Funk the Official Partner status.
The IBF and Funk partnership goes beyond a traditional sponsorship agreement. IBF and Funk will work together on a series of initiatives to grow ninepin bowling globally, to increase its popularity and worldwide reach and to make it more successful, more sustainable, and more inclusive as an international sport.
Funk will be the IBF global bowling equipment supplier and partner for IBF Elite Events and multi-sport games where Ninepin features in full support of all ninepin federations. This partnership will enable an increase in the ability to adapt to differing stakeholder priorities especially with sustainability and climate change being of the utmost importance. The relationship signifies a major increase in the commercial value of international bowling with IBF’s exclusive use of Funk technology and bowling infrastructure.
The Funk values and mindset allows for bowling to be more sustainable for the environment and for bowling proprietors in the future. Funk will be utilised in emerging markets where bowling centers are not common place as IBF looks to increase the numbers of National Bowling Federations and Academy programmes globally for Ninepin.
“Without the support of long-term partners such as Funk, it would not be possible to bring together two key disciplines for the sport of bowling. Ninepin bowling has an incredible, vast and rich history and Funk will enable us to drive further focus to the sport” said IBF CEO Andrew Oram. “Funk are now more than ever an integral part of the bowling journey. To have QubicaAMF (Tenpin) and Funk (Ninepin) as Global Partners provides such momentum and support to the growth of sport bowling”
Owner and CEO Karl-Heinz Funk commented “We are beyond excited for the opportunity to be Exclusive Global Bowling Equipment Partner and to shape the future of 9-Pin Bowling on a global level”. Next generation Alexander Funk adds “The vision of the IBF goes beyond elevating 9-Pin Bowling through a global commercial strategy. We are in full support of the underlying values and ethics that will shape our sport in the future.” Funk will support the IBF though its experience, technical and also digital innovations that are seen as key in executing a global strategy for 9-Pin Bowling.
About IBF
The International Bowling Federation represents member federations and bowlers from across the world. At the heart of what we do, uniting us all, is our mission to connect the world with the greatness of bowling. Connecting further, faster, for all. Ninepin, Tenpin, academy, para, male, female, young, old; whoever you are, wherever you come from, our sport crosses cultures. Truly inclusive, united by a passion for bowling, we bring the world closer together by innovating our sport with technology and data. Championing the best of bowling. Guardians of our sport, we show bowling at its best. By removing the complexity and barriers to play, without compromising the integrity of our sport.
IBF is the International governing body for the sport of Tenpin, Ninepin and Para Bowling representing five continental zones and 114member federations. IBF was recognised by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) in 1979 as the world governing body for the sport of Bowling and by the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) in 2019 for Para Bowling.
About Funk Group
The Funk Group combines over 100 employees worldwide and is Europe’s largest manufacturer for bowling equipment. Funk operates two manufacturing facilities in Germany and one in the United States. The rich heritage in the bowling industry that dates back to 1885 makes Funk one of the oldest bowling companies. To this day, Funk upholds its quality promise by controlling as many production steps as possible in order to carry out manufacturing and installation of products with quality and reliability. The Funk String Pinsetter incorporates those values and combined with new digital products Funk is ready to lead the charge in bowling innovation. Our mission is Creating Exciting Bowling Experiences and we believe that bowling is a great way of bringing people together -whether for social or competitive events. To learn more visit: www.funkbowling.com/ www.funk-bowling.de
