Olinda Elsasser (right) gets some instruction from club member Claudia Sauder during last Saturday’s open house at the Osoyoos Lawn Bowling Club. (Lyonel Doherty photo)
Let’s dispel one myth right away – lawn bowling isn’t just for the elderly.
With that out of the way, let’s bowl!
And many people did at the Osoyoos Lawn Bowling Club this past Saturday during its annual open house.
Olinda Elsasser was one of a dozen newcomers who tried the sport for the first time. She and her husband Ron moved to Osoyoos from Saskatchewan last summer. Olinda said lawn bowling is something that she would like to do.
“It’s exercise, you meet people and have fun. It’s a beautiful spot here (on the lake) … like heaven on earth.”
First-time bowler Ed Cairns said the sport seems like a good social event to get involved in.
It was Marion Goebel’s first time too, but she wasn’t sure if the sport was for her.
“I just want to see what it’s all about … I can’t say yet (whether I’ll join).”
Osoyoos Ambassador Chelsea Cameron-Horner was the youngest lawn bowler at the open house.
“I like it. I think it’s really informative.”
This is what club president Naga Terada likes to hear as he anticipates younger people getting involved.
Although the club has approximately 30 members, it is looking for more, he pointed out, and he’s hoping Saturday’s membership drive will eventually pay off.
“It’s an activity anyone can do,” said Terada, who admitted the sport does cater to seniors, but can appeal to any age.
“It’s my goal to let the community see that lawn bowling isn’t just for the elderly, young people can enjoy it too.”
Terada himself took up lawn bowling after the advice of his specialist, who encouraged him to take up a less active sport than curling, tennis and golf.
The president is excited about attracting new members, noting the club is embarking on a youth program involving students in Grade 6-10.
Terada said the program will teach the youth about teamwork, respect for others, and how to develop a competitive spirit.
Terada said he’s hoping the parents will also get involved with their children. In addition, the club hopes to invite other schools to participate in friendly competition.
For more information, you can contact Terada at 250-495-6801.
LYONEL DOHERTY
Special to the Times
Naga Terada (left) is hopeful the Osoyoos Lawn Bowling Club will be able to attract new members as it prepares for the 2015 season. The club held an open house this past weekend. (File photo)
