Opening ceremonies kick off Men's American Zone Championships

Action at the 2007 Men's American Zone Championships is ready to start at Metro Bowl in Guatemala City, Guatemala, with participants competing in the six-game singles event Monday.

The singles competition is being contested on the short oil pattern.

Tournament festivities began Sunday with the official practice followed by the opening ceremonies, saluting the 18 participating countries. Athletes and spectators were also treated to a performance from a local dance troupe, saluting Guatemala and its culture (pictured).

During the opening ceremonies, American Zone president, Jose Guandique from El Salvador, gave a special recognition award to Hazel McLeary, Canada, for her contribution to the sport of bowling in the world and especially in the American Zone. McLeary, who serves as the Canadian Tenpin Bowling Federation Public Relations Coordinator in Guatemala, is the president of the Bowling Writers Association of America as well as the president of the World Bowling Writers.

In behalf of Kegel founder and CEO John Davis, Kegel's Matt Miller was awarded a plaque by Guandique for the company's contribution to the first Men's American Zone Championships. Kegel is the official lane maintenance partner of the American Zone,

The Men's American Zone Championships, which conclude June 1, consists of six disciplines (Singles, Doubles, Trios, Team, All-Events and Masters). The event is returning to Guatemala for the first time since 1966.

Since the American Zone Championships were first held in 1961, the United States has won 160 medals between the men and women. The next best showing is from Mexico, which has 88 medals in that time.