Rollin’ thunder all around the city

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This article was published 16/09/2014 (4013 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

If you’ve never tried the sport, you might just be bowled over if you do.  

That’s according to key members of Manitoba’s lawn bowling community, who have been speaking to The Lance in light of the recent 2014 Canadian Lawn Bowling Championships, which were held in Winnipeg and welcomed many of Canada’s best.

The event was held between Aug. 18 and 23 at three Winnipeg locations — Dakota Lawn Bowling Centre (1212 Dakota St.); Norwood Lawn Bowling Club (1202 Dakota St.); and St. James Lawn Bowling Club (90 Ferry Rd.). Four Manitoba teams made to the medals round of play on the final day of the competition and the Manitoba A women’s team picked up the Lady Alexander Trophy, which is awarded to the women’s team that accumulates the most points during round robin play.

Highlighting the benefits of the all-inclusive sport, bowler Shirley Fitzpatrick-Wong is hoping more community members will consider heading down to their local greens to check out a recreation that has been part of the provincial landscape for more than a century (the Manitoba Lawn Bowling Association was formed in 1907).

“One of the attractions of the sport is the family angle, as it’s something I can do with my mom and my aunt,” said Fitzpatrick-Wong, 42, who has been bowling since she graduated from Kelvin High School and is currently a member of Sargent Park Lawn Bowling Club (999 Sargent Ave.) after an initial membership at Norwood.

In Fitzpatrick-Wong’s case, her passion for bowling may be in the genes. Her mother, Clarice Fitzpatrick, has “more gold medals in Canadian championships than any other woman in Canada,” she said, noting the pair represented Manitoba together in the triples team, skippered by Fitzpatrick-Wong, at the recent championships.

“The game itself is always different, always a challenge. As you become more experienced, you learn how to handle different conditions and every green is different — like golfers on the putting green. Going from playing from the front end to the back end is also interesting, as you have to adapt to a different variety of shots. It’s also a challenge, and a privilege, being a skip and leading your teammates,” she said.

“You can learn how to bowl within an hour, but it can take a lifetime to master the sport.”

A standout achievement in her bowling career so far is winning a silver medal for Canada at the 2002 Commonwealth Games held in Manchester, England, when she was lead in the fours team. To date, it is Canada’s only women’s medal at the games, Fitzpatrick-Wong said.

“It was a great experience. Some of it was overwhelming, such as going to the opening ceremonies in front of the Queen, when you’re in a huge stadium and you’re the centre of attention,” she said.

“But it was nice to be appreciated. The English know their bowls, so it was nice to play in front of a knowledgeable crowd that appreciated shots from both sides. It’s still one of the best bowling experiences of my career. It was a great team effort.”

And as the outdoor lawn bowling season draws to a close for another year, Fitzpatrick-Wong said that many community members who enjoy spending time in the curling rink might want to consider hitting the greens next year — especially the younger generation.

“Think of curling as a sister sport to lawn bowling. Like bowling, there’s a freedom to it in terms of having your own strategy. Some kids work better in smaller team situations or even playing by themselves,” she said.

Bowler Melanie Shura, 51, who is also the current vice-president of Bowls Manitoba, emphasized the health benefits of lawn bowling.

The Southdale resident, who is a member of Norwood and has been bowling for three years, suffers from fibromyalgia. The Southdale resident said spending time on the green has had a therapeutic effect on her symptoms, and has given her the chance to meet new people.

“It’s my physical therapy. I appreciate the exercise and the gentleness of the sport and it keeps me fit. It’s also opportunity to get out of the house and I’ve made many new friends and met some amazing new people. Everyone is very generous with their knowledge, including national and international champions. The level of graciousness is wonderful,” Shura said.

“Before I started bowling, I was in bed a lot and this has inspired me to keep moving. Lawn bowling has really inspired my life,” she added, noting that bowlers compete in the rain and only stop playing if there is lightning or the green becomes flooded.

Bowler Sandra Mulholland, 69, has enjoyed the camaraderie of her local bowling community since she joined Tuxedo Lawn Bowling Club (370 Southport Blvd.) in 2001 after attending an open house.

“People at the club are very supportive, regardless of your ability or age. Nobody is made to feel that they are not good enough. There’s a great feeling around our club. We even have a 93-year-old bowler,” Mulholland said.

Of course, there’s nothing wrong with a little healthy competition, either.

Along with her partner, Betty Van Walleghem, the Charleswood resident won gold in the women’s pairs event at the recent championships, beating out their rivals from Ontario.

“It was very exciting. We won on the very last end, which proves it’s not over until it’s over. I was very proud to wear the Manitoba shirt. We’re a small province compared to the others, to win gold and beat two sisters from Ontario in their early thirties was wonderful,” Mulholland said.

For interested potential participants, Shura said Bowls Manitoba will hold weekly indoor bowling sessions at Gateway Recreation Centre (1717 Gateway Rd.) during the winter, aimed at beginners to experienced bowlers.

There will also be a Bowls and Brunch event at Dakota Lawn Bowling Centre on Sat., Oct. 4. Bowling will begin at 9:30 a.m. and brunch will follow at 11:30 a.m. Attendees just need to bring a pair of flat-soled shoes to the free event. Call Marion at 204-254-4555 by Wed., Oct. 1 to confirm your attendance.

Other Bowls Manitoba-affiliated lawn bowling clubs in Winnipeg include River Heights (1360 Grosvenor Ave.) and St. John’s (1199 Main St.).

For more information about bowling in the province, visit bowlsmb.wordpress.com

simon.fuller@canstarnews.com

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