Archives of the Mayor's Press Office

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: Saturday, May 1, 1999

Release #167-99

Contact: Sunny Mindel/Curt Ritter (212) 788-2958


MAYOR GIULIANI KICKS OFF 1999 MEN'S PBA CHAMPIONSHIP IN BRYANT PARK

First-Ever Outdoor Professional Bowling Championship Accepts $10,000 Check On Behalf Of St. Mary's Children's Hospital

Mayor Rudolph W. Giuliani and Professional Bowling Association (PBA) Commissioner Mark Gerberich kicked off the 1999 Men's PBA Championship, the first-ever outdoor professional bowling championship, at New York City's Bryant Park this afternoon. The Mayor, joined by Libby Zimmer, President of St. Mary's Foundation and Dr. Berton Grebin President and Chief Executive Officer of St. Mary's Children's Hospital, also accepted a $10,000 check from Brunswick Indoor Recreation Group, a co-sponsor of the event, on behalf of the Children's Hospital.

"This event will undoubtedly change the way people think about professional bowling," said Mayor Giuliani. "New York City will show the world today that bowling isn't just an indoor sport. This historic event is free to New Yorkers and tourists visiting our City, and will draw thousands of fans and provide a new look at the great sport of bowling."

Brunswick oversaw the two-lane installation of its latest bowling environment, which will be positioned in front of Bryant Park's fountain area, looking east onto Sixth Avenue, between 41st and 42nd Streets.

PBA Commissioner Mark Gerberich said, "This event has exceeded our greatest expectations. In fact, this afternoon's event may prove to be the most impactful telecast of PBA's 40-year broadcast history."

New York City Sports Commission President Kenneth Podziba said, "This is another example of how New York City uses its non-traditional venues to host the world's most unique and innovative sporting events. I congratulate the PBA for using one of New York City's finest treasures, Bryant Park, to make such a bold statement, which will certainly go down in sports history."

Brunswick Indoor Recreation Group President Fred Florjancic said, "Brunswick is extremely pleased to be a part of this historic afternoon. We hope this proves to be the first of many annual partnerships with New York City, the PBA and Brunswick."

www.ci.nyc.ny.us


Go to Press Releases | Giuliani Archives | Mayor's Office | NYC.gov Home Page
Contact Us | FAQs | Privacy Statement | Site Map