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WHAT IS IGBO?

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INTERNATIONAL GAY BOWLING
ORGANIZATION (IGBO)

Mission

IGBO’s mission is to foster a safe and inclusive environment for the entire LGBTQ+ community as the bowling organization of choice for the international community.

IGBO seeks to promote the sport of bowling and enrich the lives of individuals through league building and tournaments around the world. IGBO is guided by the principles of Unity, Fellowship, and Communication.

Non-Discrimination & Participation Statement

IGBO recognizes access to sport as a human right. Community is a primary pillar of IGBO and cannot be fulfilled if any member of our community is intentionally or unintentionally excluded. We strive to continually listen, learn, and adapt to ensure every member of IGBO has a sense of belonging in our community.
IGBO promotes gender inclusion by recognizing an individual player’s self-identified gender and avoiding gender-based distinctions or divisions in sporting activities, while considering member countries’ cultures. IGBO is committed to celebrating each athlete’s accomplishments and skill, regardless of gender identity.

How do I get involved?

Individuals have two avenues to become a member of IGBO.

1. Bowl in an IGBO League
By bowling on an IGBO league, you are a league associate member of IGBO and may take advantage of the IGBO Member Benefits.
2. Join as a Direct Associate
To join as a Direct Associate Member, complete the process on our website under Join -> Membership Associates. An annual membership fee of $25 (USD/CAN) is required for all direct associates.

Membership has its benefits

  • Membership strength of over 7,500 fellow bowlers worldwide.  Meet new friends and share new experiences all around the sport of bowling

  • access to over 130 active member IGBO Leagues worldwide

  • Access to over 50 active member regional IGBO Tournaments worldwide

  • Optional participation in IGBO Annual Conference and Tournaments (organization-wide)

  • Member discounts offered by our IGBO sponsors (such as bowling products and travel discounts)

  • Member IGBO tournament Average data for use at any tournament

  • Online services including website and searchable league, tournament, and average tools

  • Social networking tools such as local, regional, and organization wide social media presence

  • Access to IGBO standard tournament and league setup rules, optional

  • Membership tools to set up new tournaments and leagues

  • Membership awards including 300 game and 800 scratch series accomplishments

  • Membership End of Season awards including league first place team, runner ups, and most improved and personal recognition awards for specific achievements

  • Local IGBO representatives and Region directors to help with any IGBO needs

  • And so much more!!!

How are decisions made in IGBO?

Each IGBO league and tournament selects an IGBO Representative (Rep) who becomes the liaison between IGBO and the local bowling community. The Rep, along with the Executive Board and Regional Directors, become the voting members. Each voting member’s main duty is to attend the IGBO Annual Conference and Tournament.

Some of the items covered during the Conference and Tournament are:

  • Election of Directors

  • Updates on past meetings

  • Site selection for future IGBO Conference & Tournaments

  • Changes to the bylaws

  • Approval of new member applications

  • Dissemination of tournament information

  • Breakout sessions / forums to address topics and IGBO business within the regions or the organization

  • Reports from each committee

  • AND OF COURSE BOWLING!!!

General Membership meetings are open to any IGBO bowler.  Join us and see how our organization is growing and changing for the future.

For more information, contact your specific area's Regional Director

Regions

North America Heartland

Rocky Mountain

Northeast America / Europe

Southern

West Cost / Pacific Nations

Central Plains

Executive Board Contacts

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