Lawn Bowling Champions From Across the Globe Flock to Orange County for MAP International Challenge

Fierce competition fuels international tournament sanctioned by the World Bowls Association

LOS ANGELES, Oct. 5, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- From Oct 9-15, top players from across the world will grace the lawn bowling greens of Newport and Laguna Beach for the 9th annual The MAP International Challenge.  This is the only U.S. lawn bowling tournament sanctioned by the World Bowls International Federation, which invites world champions to compete here in the United States.

This all male event features players from Australia, Canada, China, England, Hong Kong, New Zealand, Scotland, Wales, Ireland and the United States who will compete in Singles and Pairs events. Team USA will be strutting their star-player stuff including southern California locals Charlie Herbert, Loren Dion, Michael Siddall and Joe Regan. Steve Nelson from Milwaukee will also don his patriotic bests.

The MAP International Challenge will be held at the Newport Harbor Beach LBC and Laguna Beach LBC in Orange County. All are welcomed to attend this rare opportunity to watch the best bowlers the world has to offer at no charge.

The event schedule includes:

• October 9: Opening ceremonies at 8:45 a.m.
• October 9-11: Singles Competition, four matches held daily starting at 9 a.m.
• October 13-15: Pairs Competition, four matches held daily starting at 9 a.m.
• October 15: Awards Ceremony around 4 p.m. at Newport Beach LBC

For more information visit our website: www.maptournament.com

World Bowls has recently been accepted as a member of the Confederation Mondiale des Sports de Boules (CMSB) an international body overseeing the likes of Bocce, Petanque and Raffa. CMSB is already affiliated with the International Olympic Committee, taking a step forward to see Bowls played on the Olympic level. Visit the World Bowls site at http://www.worldbowlsltd.co.uk/ to learn more.

The MAP is named after Michael Ashton-Philips, a British-born Los Angeles bowler and Team USA member who passed away in 2003 after his struggle with brain cancer. Sandra Ashton-Phillips graciously sponsors this tournament in memory of her husband.  The tournament continues his passion for the sport, and the hope for inclusion in the Olympic Games.

The U.S. Lawn Bowls Association is the governing body for the advancement of the sport of lawn bowls in the U.S.

MEDIA CONTACTS:

Laura Hauser
Mortar PR
[email protected]  
415.772.9907 x120

Myrna Chan
MAP International Challenge
[email protected]
949.903.0093

SOURCE United States Lawn Bowling Association