Current and 3-time USBA National Champion Hugo Patino and 8-time USBA National Champion Pedro Piedrabuena have been selected to represent the Confederacion Panamericana de Billar (CPB) and the United States in the upcoming World Games. The event is scheduled to take place in Wroclaw, Poland July 20-30, 2017. This is the first time the United States has qualified to participate in this event.
The World Games, first held in 1981, are an international multi-sport event, meant for sports, or disciplines or events within a sport, that are not presently contested in the Olympic Games. The World Games are organised and governed by the International World Games Association (IWGA), recognized by the International Olympic Committee (IOC). The World Games are held every four years, one year after the Summer Olympic Games.
The three billiards disciplines - pool, 3-cushion and snooker - have aspired to become an Olympic sport for many years. With the rising popularity of the cue sports, many hope we will be selected by the Olympic Committee as a demonstration sport. Only with this first step can the dream of seeing 3-cushion billiards on the Olympic stage come true. The opportunity to play in the world games is an important part of achieving that goal.
Traveling to Poland is an expensive proposition for even well-funded organizations and individuals. For the US team it is, unfortunately, an especially difficult task. The CPB does not contribute to the cost of participating. And the USBA can only earmark a limited stipend for our players. We know how much the 3-cushion community here in the US hopes to see the game thrive and our players succeed. And wouldn't it be wonderful if 3-cushion billiards actually became and Olympic sport?
Here is your chance ot help! Any amount large or small that we can raise will help defray the costs of travel, food, lodging and transportation while Hugo and Pedro attend the games. If you would like to donate to the travel fund for the 2017 World Games click on the donate link and you will be taken to our secure Paypal account where you can make a contribution. A PayPal account is not required to donate - credit cards are accepted.
Let's all wish Hugo and Pedro good luck and good billiards as they prepare for their Summer adventure facing the world's best.