19th September, Tamuning: The 38th Asian Intercity Bowling Championship, hosted by Tamuning City was declared opened by Guest of Honour, the Honorable Mayor Louise Rivera after the participating teams paraded at Central Lanes on Saturday.

Fourteen cities of the Asian Intercity Bowling Council (AIBC) along with several debuting cities will be vying for honours at this year's immensely popular and friendly championship. The participating cities were Hong Kong and New Territories (China), Paranaque and Pasay (Philippines), Singapore, Subang Jaya (Malaysia), Taichung and Taipei (Chinese Taipei).

Emcee and Tournament Chairman, Mr Joey Miranda III, kicked off the ceremony with the introduction of the Guest of Honour, Her Honorable Mayor Louise Rivera, Mr Johnson Cheng, President of AIBC, Ms Nena Yap, Hon. Treasurer, and AIBC Council Members, Mr Mohd Farid Khalid, Ms Michelle Wong and Mr Mervyn Foo.

Also present was Mr Gene Baganyan, Vice President of Guam Bowling Federation. The Guest of Honour, distinguished guests, team officials, athletes and spectators stood in attention to the Guam National anthem sung by Inetnon Gef Pago Dance Group.

He also expressed his sincere appreciation to all the cities for their continuous support in sending their teams. Mr Jeremiah Camacho, Ms Mae Rose Nauta and Mr Charlie Catbagan took the athlete oath on behalf of all bowlers while Mr Houston Martin took the oath on behalf of all championship officials.

Mr Cheng also presented souvenirs to Ms Christine Chan, wife of the demised former Vice President of AIBC, Mr Frankie Cheung, Mr Gordon Chu, former President of Guam Bowling and founding member of AIBC, Mr Richard Lai, out-going and retired Vice President of AIBC and Ms Nena Yap, Hon. Treasurer for her long-standing services to AIBC.

Her Honorable, Mayor Louise Rivera then declared the 38th Asian Intercity Bowling Championship officially opened. Competition will kick off with the Men and Men Senior Singles event on September 20, Women and Senior Women Singles September 21. Doubles will be contested on September 22 and 23. The Team event will be held on September 24 and 25.

The Top 16 Men, Top 16 Men Senior, Top 16 Women and Top 8 Women Senior based on their All Events standings after the three events will make the cut for their respective best-of-3 Elimination Round Masters Finals on September 26, ending the championship.