Welcome to IGBO 2008 and Hotlanta!
Atlanta has had a long and eventful association with IGBO since its inception in 1980. As an original member-city joining the newly-founded IGBO organization, Atlanta and its gay and lesbian bowling community have long supported IGBO and the ideals that it embraces: Unity, Communication and Fellowship.
In keeping with IGBO's basic philosophy, Atlanta has hosted 25 Dixie Invitational Bowling Tournaments with its inaugural tournament held in 1981—the same year as the first IGBO Annual Tournament. A Dixie Tournament has been held every year since with the exception of 1993. That year, Atlanta proudly hosted IGBO XIII Annual and welcomed over 900 bowlers to our fine city. It was the second-largest IGBO tournament ever.
Atlanta has many assets. But, the most enduring is the dedication and experience of its gay and lesbian bowling community. Yes, Atlanta offers IGBO bowlers its tournament organizational experience, smooth online registation process, and one of the largest prize funds in the country. But, as you will soon see, Atlanta offers much, much more.
Atlanta is an extraordinary travel destination. It's so beautiful and offers so much; we lovingly call it, "Your Modern-Day Emerald City." In addition to boasting one of the largest gay and lesbian populations in the southeastern Unites States (over 32 LGBT nightlife venues alone), Atlanta's attractions are numerous. All you need are your ruby slippers! Atlanta offers the recently opened Georgia Aquarium (the largest in the United States), the newly remodeled and relocated World of Coca-Cola museum, and the internationally famous Centennial Olympic Park. All these destinations along with incredible shopping and dining venues are located within steps of our host hotel-Omni Hotel at CNN Center. Within our hotel center, CNN Headline News is taped live along with many other CNN broadcasts—all for you to see on schedule tours, if desired. And, a short drive gives you access to the incredible "Battle of Atlanta" Civil War exhibit at the Cyclorama, the Martin Luther King, Jr., Center for Nonviolent Social Change, Sweet Auburn Avenue's many Civil Rights historical sites, the Margaret Mitchell House (author of best-selling "Gone with the Wind"), Georgia's famed Stone Mountain Park, the thrills of Six Flags over Georgia amusement park, and many other attractions.
IGBO 2008 bowlers get a bonus... Memorial Day weeked 2008, The 31st Annual Atlanta Jazz festival will take place at Woodruff Park. This renowed event, the second largest of its kind in coountry, exposes and entertain a diverse audience of Jazz aficionados, young Jazz enthusiasts and musical artists to the rich heritage and variety of Jazz as an authentic form of traditional music.
Atlanta's IGBO 2008 Tournament has endorsements and sponsorship pending commitments with AirTran Airways, Orbitz, Verizon Wireless, Budweiser, Bacardi O, Coca-Cola, Midtown Bowl (formerly Express Lanes), Brunswick Zone-Norcross, Atlanta Gay and Lesbian Community, Atlanta Convention and Visitors Bureau, and numerous local businesses and bars.
It is with great pride that members of the lGBO 2008 Atlanta Committee hosts the 28th Annual IGBO Tournament in 2008. On this Web site is our best effort to describe the wonderful things that await IGBO members in Atlanta. Our local organization and experience will serve IGBO well during the tournament itself; and, our entertainment plans and city activities will make you glad you chose to spend Memorial Day Weekend 2008 in Atlanta-Your Modern-Day Emerald City!
In Fellowship, Unity, and Communication,
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| Mike Tamburrino Director of Marketing, Finance and Hotel Operations |
Ronnie Grist Director of Bowling Operations |
Hal Bergin Director of Bowler Services |
