Hall of Fame – in three different Sports , including lawn bowling . She has won the National Championship 13 times and has 11 silver medals and seven bronze in 38 appearances at Nationals . She ’ s also one of Manitoba ’ s greatest curlers .
All this just goes to show that among the international lawn bowling set , our province is turning out some of the finest competitors on the planet .
And according to Ed Mulholland of Bowls Manitoba , it ’ s also a game that people can enjoy for their entire lives .
“ Here is a sport which is quick and easy to learn at any age and with dedication and the right attitude success soon follows ,” said Mulholland . “ If you zone in on Shirley ( Fitzpatrick- Wong ) and John ( Bjornson ) who both play for Canada , you can see that the time it took them to get to a top level is quite short .
“ Age means nothing in this sport . but obviously younger people will achieve success and enjoy a longer outstanding career . Elaine ( Jones ) started after a successful curling career and has been a national champion in bowls numerous times and played for Canada for 10 years . Anyone can achieve great success in bowls no matter at what age you start . It ’ s truly a lifetime sport .”
Fact of the matter is , Lawn Bowls is the ultimate life sport . In Manitoba , children try it out as early as age nine and grandparents are still playing at age 90 . It ’ s very inexpensive to play and in fact , you can play all summer for less than the cost of two three rounds of golf .
“ It ’ s also a great way to meet people from all walks of life ,” Mulholland added . “ It is a great way to get and keep active and is a lot of fun for all . Most people play recreationally , but there are fantastic opportunities for competition . At most clubs the make-up of teams is formed from people who simply show up at game times , so there is no pressure to be present every time , you will not be letting anyone down .”
According to Mulholland , getting started is easy .
“ Just go along to a club , the friendly members will quickly show you the basics and let you try it out , but be warned , once you try it you ’ ll be hooked ,” he said with a laugh . “ There are no special requirements in terms of dress or equipment , just a pair of runners or flat soled shoes to prevent damage to the bowling green .
“ Along with some elementary instruction most clubs offer three free games to let you decide if this is the pastime for you . Club membership fees for the season are much less than $ 100 , with no extra fees for play . For children , the fees are ridiculously low enabling those who cannot afford most sports to play and enjoy .”
The most exciting thing about lawn bowling is the fact that with practice and experience you can end up like Shirley Fitzpatrick-Wong , John Bjornson , Nathan Jacobucci , Rob Law and Elaine Jones – traveling the world competing at the highest levels and enjoying a competitive experience like not other . •
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OUTDOOR 10 Acre Corn Maze with Scavenger Hunt New Corn Cannon Target Shooting Go-Carts Human Foosball ! Hay Rides , Play Parks Animals Pumpkin Patch Bush-trail And so much more to discover ....
INDOOR The Black Hole Maze 9 Hole Mini Golf Foosball Tables , Air-Hockey Arcade Style Competition Shoot-out Games Carnical Mirrors An actual Olympic Hockey Net
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TEPEE VILLAGE
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DIRECTIONS Only 1 / 2 hr from South Perim . Follow Hwy 59 South , turn left on Hwy 52 toward Steinbach then Right on Blatz Rd .
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