IS LAWN BOWLING GOOD FOR YOUR HEALTH?

Judged purely on press comment in this country, you could be forgiven for believing that bowling is a sport aimed primarily at keeping those maturing in years off the streets. Glimpses on television during the Commonwealth Games showed how our overseas friends have moved on as they often do to introduce the changes that improve the image and make the sport more attractive.

Bowling is not physically demanding as many sports can be played by many with disabilities including the visually impaired and those unable to walk who have the use of specially designed wheel chairs. Hip, knee and similar surgery are rarely a hindrance to the bowler who often finds that their game has improved as a result of the operation. All compete invariably on an equal basis with fellow bowlers.

There are also those of all age groups who do not necessarily want a physically demanding or contact sport either through personal choice or physical necessity.

So is bowling good for your health?

If you want to shed pounds or reduce the waistline sorry, please try the Sports Centre. On the other hand, providing you have some basic coaching, bowling should make full and beneficial use of your limbs and muscles, some of which you may not have used for a while!

A bonus is that bowling brings people together beyond simply playing with the opportunity to take part in an active social programme. It provides the opportunity to play around the county and beyond since there are an increasing number of holiday packages built around the game, both at home and abroad.

How can I take part?

The Broadstone Bowling Club in Dunyeats Road has recently benefited from improvements to its facilities financed by the Sports Lottery Fund, the Council and the members. This enables the Club to offer full facilities for the playing of Lawn Bowls in the summer when a Colts Club operates for the 12 to 18 year olds each Saturday morning. Short Mat Bowls is played indoors throughout the winter months.

The Club offers coaching and the loan of equipment, particularly for the new bowler who may wish to try the game before committing to the buying of equipment.

If you would like more information please contact Graham Williams on 267856.

Archive Winter 2002 | next

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