IBF Signs Funk Group As The Exclusive Global Bowling Equipment Partner For Ninepin Bowling
May 5, 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 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 commonplace 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.”