Long-time bowling administrator Lionel Dowling has announced his retirement after almost three decades running one of the Island?s most popular tournaments ? the American Airlines Spectacular.

Dowling will step down at the conclusion of this year?s tournament, which is in its 28th year.

A regular player in the sport since 1962, he will continue to participate in league bowling and serve as president of the Bermuda Bowling Senate, which is affiliated to the National Bowling Association based in the US.

Presented a Special Achievement Award at the Government Sports Awards in 1989 for his contribution to bowling, Dowling had high praise for the sponsors of what has become one of Bermuda?s biggest bowling events.

?For all 28 years of the tournament, American Airlines have stood by my side,? he said. ?They have provided the major prizes for the tournament . . . and our relationship has been one to be envied by many sports groups across the Island. I thank them from the bottom of my heart.?