FIQ IN MEXICO CITY

The 5th FIQ World Tournament, held in November 1963 in Mexico City, Mexico, was a monumental one. It marked the first year the United States sent a team in an official capacity, as well as the first year women’s bowling was an official event. The American team wore white uniforms and carried matching bags and shoes. Helen Shablis, a Detroit-native bowler, took top prize in the women’s individual contest, scoring an impressive 4,535 over 24 games. Winning bowlers were honored with a memorial platter, featuring imagery unique to the host country.