Taking two stereotypes and mashing them together to create a new opportunity was the plan -- and so far, the South Burnaby Lawn Bowling Club is trending.
The adage that lawn bowling is just for seniors with time on their hands has been turned on its head with the plan to appeal to the computer-obsessed younger generation, as the Kingsway club opens its doors to create a Junior Bowls program, aimed at the teenager market.
The program, geared towards 13 to 20 year olds, hopes to turn a youthful crowd onto the fun of the outdoor sport, said past club president James Tindle.
“We want to introduce the sport to as many people as we can, from the ages 12 and up,” said Tindle, who has spearheaded the project at South Burnaby. “It’s really appropriate at this day and age to get kids active, and provide them a different sport where they can be physically active and not be exposed to a risk of concussion.”
Tindle, a retired psychologist, points to Health Canada findings of the rising incidences of diabetes, which is affected by inactivity and obesity.
While lawn bowling in other countries isn’t considered just for old folks, in Canada there is a certain age gap. It’s reflected in the fact that in B.C. only Tsawassen has a junior program.
Duplicating that at South Burnaby, a club which has been around for nearly 100 years old, would be terrific.
“The image has to change and that is why we are promoting this program... If we can get into the schools and share our message and our enthusiasm, maybe it will catch on. We need to change the image from an old fogey’s sport to something that anyone can play.”
What lawn bowling can provide is a game that is non-contact, unlike soccer, football and lacrosse where concussions are a rising concern, and affordability. The cost for youth to participate for a full season is just $50.
Tindle is himself a recent recruit to the sport. He played hockey into his mid-70s until his doctor told him to hang up the skates.
“I was lost for about two years and not very happy,” he recalled. “I am a very competitive guy who played (hockey) since the age of four. But I found lawn bowling and its really been a blessing.”
Introduction trials for new potential junior bowlers are offered on the second and third weeks in June, with the hope a league can be set up to begin play in July.
For more information, call 604-437-3545.
