The European Tenpin Bowling Federation (ETBF) and Special Olympics Europe/Eurasia (SOEE) have just announced a new partnership agreement.

The agreement was officiated in Malta recently, during a seminar on European Bowling, supported by the Vodafone Malta Foundation.

The Foundation has been supporting Special Olympics Malta for a number of years and has been a vital part of the development of the organisation which has grown from having its very first 20 athletes to the present number of just under 400.

The deal was signed by ETBF president Addie Ophelders and Special Olympics Europe/Eurasia director Mary Davis. Present for the signing were Parliamentary Secretary for Sport Clyde Puli and Gemma Mifsud Bonnici, chairperson Vodafone Malta Foundation along with Special Olympics athletes.

"We are very pleased with this collaboration that will help us raise awareness and support for Special Olympics," Ophelders said.

"Through this partnership, we will endeavour to ensure that more people with intellectual disabilities have the opportunity to enjoy the benefits of bowling."

The seminar was attended by participants and coaches from across Europe, including those from the Malta Tenpin Bowling Association and Special Olympics Malta.

The forum discussed the adaptation of coaching methods, logistics and techniques. The programme also included a practical session.

Bowling is just one of 31 sport for which the SOEE offers year-round training and competitions.

Bowling is also one of the ten sport included in the upcoming 2010 Special Olympics European Games in Warsaw, Poland, between September 18 and 24.

More than 1,600 athletes and 600 coaches, from 58 countries, will participate in the Games.