Bowls enthusiasts in Lincolnshire are hoping to see their beloved sport gain national recognition during the upcoming Commonwealth Games in Glasgow. With the games just a few months away, fans are eager to see if bowls can capture the attention of viewers in a way that surpasses the recent popularity of curling during the Winter Olympics.
According to Lincolnshire Live, Amy Pharaoh, a talented bowler from Grimsby, has been selected to represent England in this year’s Games. With an impressive track record that includes four Commonwealth Games medals and three World Bowls Championships medals over her 33-year career, Amy believes the Commonwealth Games provides a prestigious platform for the sport.
"The Commonwealth Games is the platform for bowls that puts us on a level playing field with every sport; the prestige of it is incredible," she shared. As she trains diligently for the Games, Amy reflects on her dream of representing England at the Olympics, a goal she has held since she was just 14 years old.
Despite its rich history, dating back to 5000 BC in Egypt, bowls often struggles with perceptions of being an older person’s game. The average age of players is between 50 and 55, which has raised concerns about the future of the sport. "Sadly, we don’t have enough young people playing," Amy noted. "We are going to need them to keep the clubs going because they’re the future, and it is really important to get them in."
To attract younger players, Bowls England has introduced a new, more accessible version of the game called Bowls Bash. This initiative encourages a relaxed dress code and shorter match times, making it more appealing to a younger audience. Jasbir Batt, the clubs and participation officer at Bowls England, has been actively working with over 200 schools to change the perception of bowls as an "old man’s game."
With the Commonwealth Games on the horizon, Jasbir sees this as a crucial opportunity to enhance the visibility of bowls. He noted, "The schedule being reduced this year gives us a huge opportunity to increase the visibility around our sport and we hope to build on the 10 million viewers from Birmingham 2022."
As Lincolnshire prepares to cheer on its athletes, the hope is that the Commonwealth Games will not only showcase the sport but also inspire a new generation of bowlers. With the excitement building, it’s a great time for local residents to discuss how they can support and promote bowls in their community.