Results of the Bidding Process for the 2005 World Games

The IOC granted the WCBS its Outright Recognition o­n the 5th of February 1998, and by that the WCBS and Billiards Sports became eligible for an eventual future inclusion into the Olympic Program. However, not o­nly are the Olympic Games since long larger than what is stipulated in the Olympic Charter (maximum 28 sports, 300 events and 10.500 athletes), but the competition for an eventual inclusion is also tremendous. Altogether 28 sports are currently included in the Olympic Games and equally as many IOC recognized sports are competing for possibly 2-3 opportunities that may be given, if and when the IOC will decide to replace some of the now participating sports. The participation of Billiards Sports in the World Games is of great importance in this context, since the World Games provides the IOC with a unique opportunity to compare all sports that currently are seeking its attention at o­ne and the same place.

Based upon this it is the task of the WCBS to make sure that Billiards Sports will be presented in the best possible fashion, and in a way that will deliver a clear message to the IOC – Billiards Sports has more to offer than most of its competitors! It is therefore with joy and gratitude that I take note of the fantastic support that the Billiards Industry again has been showing our sport, when bidding to become the official providers of the necessary equipment for the 2005 Duisburg World Games. I would like to take this opportunity to thank all companies that have participated in the bidding process, irrespective of if they finally were selected by the WCBS, or not. The following companies presented the winning bids:

With the assistance and support of the above companies the WCBS will continue its preparations towards the 2005 Duisburg World Games, and a participation of Billiards Sports with 3-Cushion Carom for Men, 9-Ball Pool for Men & Women as well as Snooker for Men. The 2005 World Games will showcase 30+ sports and the Billiards Sports portion will take place in Bottrop, July 20-24. Currently qualification events are taking place around the world in order to nominate the 16 best athletes in each discipline and category. Information will be forwarded o­n an o­ngoing basis over the next 400 days leading up to the first round of Carom, Pool and Snooker in the 2005 Duisburg World Games.

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