Jacqui bowls on the world stage
Jacqui and her team were able to qualify for all disciplines, including fours, trips, pairs and singles.
Bedfordview bowls player and Kensington resident Jacqui van Rensburg represented South Africa at the Atlantic Rim Championships in Wales this year.
“It was an incredible experience and a great honour to wear the green and gold,” said Jacqui.
Five women, including Jacqui, and five men were selected from all over South Africa to participate in the tournament, which was also a qualifier for the World Bowls Championships.
Also read: Jeppe Quondam Bowls gain national title
Jacqui and her team were able to qualify for all disciplines, including fours, trips, pairs and singles.
Jacqui played in fours and trips events and the women achieved gold in the pairs, bronze in the trips and silver in the fours categories. They also secured gold on overall points.
Jacqui has been playing bowls for 14 years.
“When I was younger, my grandparents played bowls and I was watching them play one afternoon when a member of the club, who was doing her coaching hours, asked if I would be her student. I really enjoyed learning how to play and have been hooked ever since,” said Jacqui.
For the last nine years, she has been a member of Bedfordview Country Club bowls sections.
“Bedfordview club has been an incredible club to play for in the sense that it is like a family. Every club has its politics, but Bedfordview members care for each other and welcome people from all different walks of life,” said Jacqui.
Her goal has always been to play bowls at international level.
Also read: Locals enjoy social bowls
Jacqui finds inspiration from the public who look up to national bowls players.
“There are many people who have guided me along my journey in getting me to where I am now,” said Jacqui.
Jacqui sees bowls as an equal space where women and men can participate on the same level.
“Nowadays it doesn’t matter whether you are male or female. There is equal opportunity for both to represent and participate at the highest level,” said Jacqui.
At 30 years old, Jacqui has decided to emmigrate to Wales with her fiancé. She won’t be able to represent South Africa anymore, but she plans to play in the Commonwealth.
