Brixton Primary School learners have their first experience playing lawn bowls
The All Blacks, dubbed the "awesome foursome" from Protea Sports Club brought 32 learners to share in their love of the game to show it's not just for "old people".
Lawn bowls has a bit of a reputation as a sport older people play, a perception the Protea Sports Club in Emmarentia is changing.
They invited 32 learners from Brixton Primary School to come and see how the game was played to bring some diversity to the sport.
It is hoped that the project, spearheaded by the club’s successful All Blacks team, would grow into one where more schools would get involved at various bowling clubs.
Bowler at the club Laurence Makyao said, “We want children to learn about this amazing game and to give them a fun day out with something different to experience. It is also a fun sport for people who do not like more active sports like soccer or rugby.”
The learners, coached by The All Blacks dubbed ‘the awesome foursome’ and other players, had a ball with many surprised at first by the concept. But they soon grew in confidence with bowling the balls across the manicured lawn, determined to outperform each other.
On a usually quiet green, the laughter and cheering were a delightful tonic from which everyone involved and spectators benefitted.
Sparrow Schools in Sophiatown has also agreed to participate in this pilot project.
Johannesburg Bowls Association (JBA) member Grant Dreyer said, “We have wanted to implement something involving schoolchildren for a long time, so we were delighted to hear the All Blacks had managed to achieve this on their own. It is fantastic and something the JBA absolutely supports and encourages. The values and outcomes are in line with our own and the Department of Education’s so it is a win-win for everyone.”
Brixton Primary School teacher and sports coordinator Joseph Lesiba said, “We love our learners to be taught new things and we developed an interest when the coaches came to the school to introduce the idea to us. It is also great for learners who are not so fit or confident with sports. We hope this will develop into something special for both partners.”
Related Article:
Höerskool Linden’s major production is the first of its kind for the school
