This story was published in the Spring 2023 issue of Total Sports Quinte magazine
After a year that saw a provincial championship being played in Belleville in 2022, the Belleville Lawn Bowling Club is looking forward to its 123rd year of operating as a club.
As part of this year’s activities and as a way of introducing the game of lawn bowling to those that have never played, the Belleville Lawn Bowling Club will be participating in National Bowls Day.
Lawn bowls is an accessible, edge-of-your seat fun team sport that brings generations of players together.
“We’re thrilled to be part of National Bowls Day,” says Michael Lindon, chair of National Bowls Day in Belleville and club secretary. “The city of Belleville has always supported various sports locally, and National Bowls Day will give many locals the opportunities to get out and try something new.”
National Bowls Day is happening at local clubs all across the country on June 3 and it’s the perfect opportunity for newcomers to gather with friends, family and their community to see what bowls is all about.
The Belleville club will be offering free learn-to-bowl instructions, refreshments, something to eat and an opportunity to meet others that are also interested in learning more about lawn bowls.
One of the goals for this year is introducing the club’s youth program for those under the age of 18. Youth Bowlers can compete for the Earl Mayer Youth Bowler of the Year Plaque. To be eligible bowlers 18 years or younger can earn valuable points at each sanctioned youth bowls tournament across Ontario.
The more you enter, the better your chances of being crowned Bowler of the Year.
Anyone who attends all sanctioned youth bowls tournaments receives a bonus of 25 points towards their total.
Points are available in both male and female divisions. Every participant receives one point for entering each sanctioned youth tournament.
The Belleville Lawn Bowling Club is also looking for local businesses or individuals to become a sponsor, which will contribute to the successful hosting of events with prizes and refreshments. This will provide the best experience possible for all ages.
That support will also enable the club to expand its equipment inventory and will go a long way to assist in the support of the Belleville Lawn Bowling Club facility and the wonderful long-standing sport in the community.
Belleville’s club will host a number of events from June until September that are open to all registered bowlers in Ontario. Bowlers attend from many parts of Ontario.
The Belleville Lawn Bowling Club will also be hosting eight tournaments. This year, tournaments will start with two dates set in June, on the 14th and 28th and all tournaments start at 10 a.m.. July will see competition on the 15th and 24th, with the latter designated as the District Chair Tournament.
Dates in August are the 2nd and 17th with the tournament schedule to wrap up in September on the 6th and 21st .
The Belleville Lawn Bowling Club moved to 69 Centre Street as part of the City of Belleville’s upgrade to the Hillcrest Community Centre redevelopment in 2020.
The City of Belleville recently completed the development of two new greens that club officials believe will soon rival the best greens available in the province.
Belleville lawn bowlers are on the greens from early May to late September, weather permitting. Club events – known as jitneys – are the staple of the club and are friendly competitions held three times a week during the mornings and evenings. The level of competition also varies. Just turn up and teams are made up at random.
Club members look forward to seeing everyone on the greens this season.
Check out the Belleville Lawn Bowling Club online at blbc1932.weebly.com