Koprivnica in Croatia is hosting the 16th IBSA European Championships in Ninepin Bowling. The championships are organised by the Croatian Blind Sports Association and run until next Sunday.

Eighty-nine blind and partially sighted bowlers from eight countries are taking part in the event.

The opening ceremony took place yesterday and included words of welcome and encouragement from city mayor Ms Vesna Želježnjak the the county mayor of Koprivnica Križevci. Also on hand to offer greetings were the President of the EC LOC, Mr. Duško Petrović, and President of the Croatian Paralympic Committee Mr. Ratko Kovačić.

The first day results from the women's team event saw Croatia win the gold medal with 2008 pins, with the silver medal going to Romania on 1929 pins and bronze to Poland on 1884.

Caption: The medalwinners from the women's team event.

The action continues today, and you can follow it by clicking here to visit the official event web site. You can also follow the competition live on Youtube. 

Results from day 1: http://en.hsss-cbsa.hr/16th-ibsa-ec-first-day-results-24052016-article-318/
 
Photos from day 1: https://web.facebook.com/16TH-IBSA-EC-in-9-pin-bowling-23rd-29th-May-2016-Koprivnica-Croatia-207633939603687/photos.

Caption: action during the women's team event.

Caption: Andreja Mai, Chairwoman of the IBSA Ninepin Bowling Committee, and Ratko Kovacic, President of the Croatian Paralympic Committee, during the opening ceremony.