towel: IGBO Houston

The International Gay Bowling Organization (IGBO) formed in 1980, when a group representing different cities in the United States got together in Los Angeles, agreeing that there was a strong need for an organization to unify a growing gay and lesbian bowling community. The group chose Memorial Day as the date of its yearly tournament. In just two years, the IGBO achieved recognition for hosting the largest indoor gay/lesbian sports event of the time, which included more than 400 bowlers from 27 cities. By 1983 the group was recognized by the American Bowling Congress (ABC) and by the 1990s it had welcomed international leagues. Throughout the years the organization has devoted itself to charitable causes and fund-raising and its mission for comradery and good works continues in the 21st century.