Lombardy East Bowling Club hosts a rainbow of bowls feast

The recently ended Rainbow Trips Lawn Bowls competition, now in its fifth year, is the brainchild of the Lombardy East Bowling Club and was such a successful event.

This competition which is unique worldwide caters for every type of bowler in one competition. The field comprises disabled bowlers both physically, visually and to some extent intellectually challenged players playing in teams of three known as trips. They play together with able-bodied, young (seven years old this year) elderly (87 years) players of any race or creed. This combination epitomises the bowls slogan ‘One Sport4Life’.

The aim of the event, while raising funds to help disabled players, is to promote the sport of bowls through inclusiveness, displays of friendship and sportsmanship and the opportunity to play against players of all skill levels, age groups, abilities and cultures – and thus the name ‘rainbow’ was conceived.

It has attracted much interest and has grown exponentially in the past five years. The format of play is completely unique in that the play is doubled up on each green and can thus accommodate a large number of competitors.

Last year, the field with two greens and a fives format had 120 bowlers competing. This year, with the inclusion of Edenvale Bowling Club, three greens were used and accommodated 216 players in seeded sections, divisions and teams.

“This is to facilitate the fairness and evenness of the competition and for everyone to have an equal chance for the trophy,” said Desiree Levin, one of the organisers of Lombardy East Bowling Club.

“An interesting aspect of the competition is the willingness and keenness of national bowlers both able-bodied and disabled to give back to the sport by competing in a field of this nature and in a fiercely contested yet fun, friendly and motivating spirit.”

She added that the sport was developing as last year there were only about 35 bowlers of colour competing and this year there was about 60.

Players came from all over the country to participate and many were accommodated by local people to help save on expenses.