As we celebrate our 28th year, the 2012 MIC tournament committee invites you to join us this Columbus Day Weekend, October 11 – 13.

In 1984, after a failed attempt to bring the IGBO (International Gay Bowling Organization) tournament to Detroit, members of the BTI Sunday Mixed League formed a committee to re-organize and initiate an IGBO-affiliated gay and lesbian bowling tournament.

Originally, three co-directors were elected - Randy Albright, Joe Madej and Ken Sparks. Together, with a large group of volunteers, they created a friendly and inviting tournament that would welcome bowlers and friends for many years to come.

The first tournament was designated as the Detroit-Windsor International Freedom Tournament (DWIFT) and was appropriately held July 4th weekend celebrating both country’s national holidays – Canada Day and U.S. Independence Day.

DWIFT became known for its one bowling shift for all participants, a hospitality room that would remain open as long as someone was still there, an open bar at the banquet and cash awards and trophies distributed during the tournament weekend. These traditions are still honored today.

In 1989, the tournament was renamed the Motown Invitational Classic (MIC) and was held on the joint international weekend of the Canadian Thanksgiving and U.S. Columbus Day.