Fabulous weather and yet another great turnout for the opening ceremony of the 2013 Spanish National Bowls Championships which took place at Greenlands bowls club on Saturday 11 May, with over 350 competitors, representing clubs from the Canary Islands and the Spanish mainland, parading on the green.
Each of the participating clubs marched on in turn to the applause of the considerable number of spectators, as they lined up in front of the officials’ podium. They were joined by groups representing the Spanish National Squad and the Competition Umpires, the latter of which once again attracted both support and a significant amount of ‘good humoured’ scorn.
There were large marching contingents from a number of clubs with one of the most impressive being the almost 20 competitors who had travelled from Tenerife. At the other end of the scale Almeria and Bonalba Bowls Clubs each furnished two. With everyone in position, providing a great spectacle with the range of colours worn, everyone stood for the Spanish National Anthem after which Bob Donnelly, the Valencian Delegate, introduced the sponsors, owners and guests before welcoming the National Director of the Spanish Bowls Federation, John Muldoon.
In his address John thanked the many people who had worked so hard in putting everything together, not just for this day but for the whole championships, the planning for which began almost as soon as last year’s event was over. He wished all the competitors a successful tournament, pointing out that it was their skills and conduct when playing the game which would make it such a memorable event.
John made the point that without sponsorship it would be nigh on impossible to stage tournaments such as this one and he welcomed the representatives of the sponsors accompanying him on the podium, CS Bowls Wear, Dales Sports Surfaces, Greengauge Surfaces and the Leader Newspaper.
He said that the 2013 championships were especially significant and would act as preparation for the European Team Championship that was coming to this part of Spain later in the year.
After a welcoming speech by the owner of Greenlands, Mike Green, the Valencian area delegate of the Federation, Bob Donnelly, invited the owner to bowls the opening wood of the competition after which the competitors retired for some welcome refreshment before leaving to prepare for the commencement of the tournament on Monday.
For the successful bowlers this will be an arduous two weeks, while for those not so lucky there is always the opportunity to renew old acquaintances and to make new friends.
The tournament got underway on Monday 13th, and all being well the finals will be played on Saturday 25th. The greens being used are Vistabella, El Rancho, San Luis and Greenlands with the finals being played at Quesada Bowls Clubs
During his speech John kindly made mention of the bowls coverage provided by The Leader and we will of course be affording the Nationals special attention over the next few weeks. The best players in Spain are taking part and no matter where you look the draw has thrown up some intriguing ties even in the early rounds, so go along to any of the venues mentioned and lend your support.
As with all major events there is a considerable amount of planning and preparation put in beforehand and great credit goes to the Championship Committee as well as the members of Greenlands as well as the officials from the Bowls Federation with everything went like clockwork on the opening day.
Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/38965/
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