Andalusia and dominoes are forever linked just like a long string of dominoes can string together during a game.

The World Championship Domino Tournament links the county seat of Covington County and the strategy game thanks to an idea for a fund raiser hatched by Dr. Charles Tomberlin and members of the Andalusia Rotary Club more than a quarter of century ago.

The annual tournament brings domino players from all over the world to Andalusia where they compete for the title of world champion.

The tournament began 28 years ago as the Bicentennial Tournament and was renamed the Alabama Domino Tournament the second year of its existence.

The third year things changed as the Rotary Club earned the naming rights to become the World Championship Domino Tournament.

The tournament has featured the best players in the world as well as a few celebrities, including college football coaches Paul W. "Bear" Bryant and Pat Dye. Governors have also participated in the tournament. Also, the Mayor of Andalusia has matched wits against the Mayor of Opp in past years.

The last 26 tournaments have been kicked off by an annual check presentation from Henderson Sewing Machine Company. The check presentation began with James F. Henderson presenting a

check to Dr. Tomberlin to help with the costs of the tournament.

The tradition continued this week when Frank Henderson, vice president of Henderson Sewing Machine Company and the son of James F. Henderson, presented a check in the amount of $1,500 to Dr. Tomberlin and current Andalusia Rotary Club President David Darby.

The check will help get the tournament up and running with the proceeds from the World Championship Domino Tournament going toward several Rotary Club projects. The Rotary Club using the funds generated from the tournament to help send individuals to Camp ASCCA, fund scholarship for students who plan to attend LBW Community College and to provide funding for a Scout Troop. The Rotary Club has also given to other causes in recent years, including the Dream Park.

The World Championship Domino Tournament will be held at the Kiwanis Center the second weekend in July. The tournament will begin on Friday, July 11.