David Anderson, Andrew Harley, Brent Jansen and Mitch O’Brien have returned from Toronto having competed in the 2017 Canadian Short Mat National Championships.

The National Championships took place in Toronto from November 21 to 25 under the guidance of David Burrows, President of the Canadian Short Mat Bowls Association (CSMBA). Our players reported the event to be very well managed in all respects. This speaks well for the growing popularity of the sport in Canada, a sport that many outdoor lawn bowlers migrate to when our winters keep us more indoors.

All four members won a variety of awards, but most importantly they all qualified to participate in the 2018 Short Mat Bowls World Championships to be held in Strömstad, Sweden from March 16 to 18. In addition to these four, Chris Slade has been invited by the CSMBA to fill out the Canadian team. These fine bowlers and gentlemen will make excellent ambassadors for our country, province and club.

They’ve done their part; now it’s time for the rest of us to do ours. Your Executive will soon be publishing the club’s fundraising plan to assist these members to partially offset the many expenses they will incur. Oak Bay Lawn Bowling Club has done big things in the past. This is another opportunity to collectively rise to the challenge. Let’s show that we’re not only the friendly club, but also a club with deep roots in the sport of bowls, including its indoor version.

Stay tuned……