Queensland armed bowlers team up for the worlds biggest bowls festival
A team of bowlers using bowling arms will compete in the Australian Open as preparation for their National Championships in September this year. 2016 will be the first time that the Australian Open will see teams of armed bowlers whom represent the Maroon Arm Bowlers Association collectively taking part.
This year the Maroon Armed Bowlers Association has entered three sides into the $250,000 Australian Open consisting of a ladies team and two men’s teams to compete in the open pairs and fours.
Members of the Maroon Armed Bowlers Association come from all parts of Queensland and later in the year will host the National Arm Bowlers Tournament played in September 2016, proudly supported by Broadbeach Bowls Club on the Gold Coast.
Their aim of participating in the Australian Open is to show that the longevity of Lawn Bowls can be promoted through the use of an approved artificial device to allow bowlers to continue with their sporting careers in Lawn Bowling at the highest level.
Cheryl Hutchinson says the team are very excited to be competing in the Australian Open for the first time.
“The team was thrilled to enter the Australian Open and were encouraged by the support we have received knowing without our bowling arms we would not be on the green,” said Hutchinson.
“With the Bowling Arm National Championships being held on the Gold Coast this year we thought the Australian Open would allow us to get the high level competition we need and also have an enjoyable time on the greens.”
The ladies have entered in the pairs and fours for the Australian Open and are thoroughly looking forward to the experience.
Competitors with a bowling arm have already tasted success at an Australian Open with Neil Crisp going deep into the men’s singles draw back in 2013 at Darebin International Sports Centre.
The Maroon Arm Bowlers Association promotes a professional standard throughout Queensland that allows armed bowlers to be competitive in all facets of bowls.
The Ladies Team pictured from left to right consists of Cheryl Hutchinson from Club Helensvale, Carole Azzopardi from Mooloolaba Bowls Club, Wendy Usher from Dalby North Bowls club and Lynn Gilbert form Capalaba Bowls Club.
We wish them well not only in the Australian Open but in their National Championships later in the year.
