HOPKINSVILLE, Kent. – Effective today, the Hammer brand is proud to announce its title sponsorship of The National Bowling Association (TNBA). Founded in 1939, TNBA is the oldest national bowling association and its mantra of “Sportsmanship, Fellowship and Friendship” is more than 70,000 members strong today.

“The National Bowling Association treats every member as an important part of a dynamic, progressive group that is helping to achieve unity, strength and solidarity in all aspects of the sport of bowling. It’s an honor to support their regional and national events and to call ourselves a sponsor of this history-making group,” said Jeff Ussery, Hammer brand manager.

Originally founded in Detroit as The National Negro Bowling Association in response to a “Caucasians Only” clause in the constitutions of the American Bowling Congress (ABC) and the Women’s International Bowling Congress (WIBC), TNBA was instrumental in opening the doors to competitive bowling for black bowlers. Because of the overwhelming amount of Asian, Hispanic and other non-black members, the organization changed its name in 1944 to The National Bowling Association, Inc., and, in 1950, the clauses were removed from ABC and WIBC. TNBA did not cease to exist; rather, its competitive ranks continued to grow and they added members of all ages, background and skill levels.

Today, TNBA is a non-profit organization dedicated to fostering and promoting the sport of bowling through organized competition with no regard to race, creed or color. It serves as a recruiting agency and point-of-entry for all amateur bowlers and is one of the largest black founded, black operated and black directed organizations in the country. Now embarking upon its 70th year of existence and with more than 70,000 members in over 100 local chapters across the country and Bermuda, it is more successful than ever.

TNBA members have the opportunity to compete in numerous events during the year including leagues, regionals and nationals and also offer national honor awards and Hall of Fame recognition. Similar opportunities are also available on the Junior level as TNBA is a proponent of youth bowling.

Dr. Michael L. Boykins, president of TNBA and 20-year member of the organization, said the new relationship between Hammer and TNBA is a win-win for everyone.

“Bowlers come to TNBA by the nature of the challenge,” Dr. Boykins said. “TNBA offers a unique, different flavor that other bowling organizations just don’t have. Hammer is known for having our same attitude and approach to the game that encourages competition, rivalry and fun. Our new relationship is sure to be a benefit for both of us.

“This organization has faced so many obstacles in the past, it is a testimony that we hung in there for seven decades and are now the oldest bowling association in the country,” Dr. Boykins shared. “Today, TNBA is a successful operation that has conquered every hindrance it has come across.”

For more information on The National Bowling Association, visit www.tnbainc.org, and for more information on Hammer, visit www.hammerbowling.com.