The 10th Fiji Airways Sunnywest Bowling Carnival received a major boost from co-sponsor Fiji Gas yesterday.

Fiji Gas has joined a group of sponsors by contributing $5,000 toward the week-long event at the Nadi Sports and Social Club beginning today.

National services installation manager David Aitcheson while presenting the sponsorship cheque said, “’Fiji Gas slogan’ is ‘strong last long” which we find similarity with in the consistency of the carnival’s 10 years and similarly its potential to grow bigger and last long like Fiji Gas.”

Tournament chairman Rick Eyre said this support will assist in hosting a record 25 fours-teams and 45 pairs teams in the weeklong event.

“We are thankful to the business-houses such as Fiji Gas for also coming on board and this will uplift the carnival,” he said.

“We will be doing something special this time around. We trust that this partnership with Fiji Gas will be of mutual benefit.”

He said the carnival attracted 40 overseas bowlers from Australia, NZ, and Canada.

“The registration for this year’s carnival has been outstanding with a new group of 11 from Christchurch led by Margaret Stacey participating for the first time,” he added.

A high number of returning bowlers led by Graeme Kath, Steve Rice, and Spencer Tate will be in action.

“Fortunately 2017 has not been affected by natural disasters so attracting us some keen interests and hopefully a kind foundation to build on for bigger tournaments in the coming years.

Meanwhile, the defending champions for the pairs division are Graeme Kath and Steven Rice.

The duo also won the fours event alongside Rick Eyer and Lema Matailevu.

The competition ends on June 1.