EUROPEAN TEAM BOWLS OPENS IN BLAZE OF COLOUR

The Opening Ceremony of the European Bowls Union team Championship took place in a Blaze of colour at the Emerald Isle Bowls Club on Sunday morning.

Held every second year, the decision to bring one of the most prestigious bowling tournaments to Spain is a measure of just how far the game has progressed on these shores in recent years under its current management.

Spain originally submitted their bid to host the tournament with a formal presentation to the EBU two years ago in Portugal. The Leader Newspaper prepared the bid publication that was presented by José Luis Boto Álvarez, President of the Federación Española de Bolos, who travelled especially from Madrid.

Once confirmation had been received of the successful bid an organising committee was established, the members of which have since worked tirelessly to ensure a successful competition.

Sixteen teams are represented in the tournament, fifteen European Countries or states plus an EBU Select team which will take the number to a more manageable 16. The EBU squad includes two bowlers from Spain, Barrie Latham from La Marina BC and Lynda Hall from Marbella.

Spain will be represented by the current National Ladies Champion Jan Dando, of Indalo BC, Graham Cathcart, of Teide BC in Tenerife, Lynn Greenland, of Greenlands BC ,and Pete Bonsor of Quesada BC who won the SABA Gents Singles tournament just a couple of weeks ago. All of the players selected are current Spain International bowlers and are well used to playing in prestigious international competitions.

A spokesman for the selectors told the Leader Newspaper that they feel that this Team could be the one to bring the European Championship Trophy to Spain, especially as all fours selected bowlers are currently in particular good form and it is being played on ‘home turf’.

The tournament itself will be played at two venues, the Emerald Isle and San Miguel Bowls Clubs, both of which have spent an inordinate amount of time and effort in getting their venues ready and both now look to be in magnificent condition.

Following welcomes from Javier Soler, on behalf of the Federación Española de Bolos, Cllr Martina Scheurer, Councillor for the coast and the National Director of Lawn Bowls in Spain, John Muldoon who said that “on returning home he hoped that all players and supporters would agree that Spain had been the best option to host these 2013 Championships”, the formal opening was carried out by the President of the EBU, Eddie Williams.

Mr Williams referred to the tournament at the ‘Friendly Games’ and finished by wishing competitors good line, good length and good luck.

There then followed the raising of the Spanish Flag which was accompanied by a marvellous performance of the national anthem by local bugler and musician Jaimie Aparici.

Immediately following the opening ceremony teams went off to get their challenges underway in the Mixed Rinks competition.

Some of the countries taking part in the competition are relatively new to European Bowling and include the likes of Israel, German, Switzerland, Turkey and the Netherlands.

They will compete against the more established squads representing the four home nations, England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales together with Cyprus, Guernsey, Isle of Man, Jersey and three times hosts, Portugal.

Competition will take the form of Ladies and Gents Pairs together with Mixed Rinks

Having cost in the region of 40,000 euro to host, the Federation are hoping that the competition will attract large crowds of spectators, from both the bowling fraternity and from the general public, especially as there will be no other competitive bowling taking place in the region during the period of the EBU Tournament.

Admission to both venues is absolutely free.

Daily sessions will take place at both venues Monday to Thursday at 9am, 1230 and 1545 pm. On Friday, the final day, the matches will take place at 9am and 1230 which will then be followed by the presentation of prizes and the closing ceremony at the Emerald Isle at 4pm.

Results and daily schedules of play will be published on the EBU Website every evening shortly following the close of the day’s play. More information can be found at www.europeanbowlsunion.com

The Ninth European Team Bowls Championships tournament will be the culmination of two years hard work by the committee and members of the Federación Española de Bolos.

Please do go along and provide your support to this free event which will offer an opportunity to see in action some of the very best lawn green bowlers in the world.

PHOTOS: CARL EAGLE

Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/40791/

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