NATIONAL teams from Scotland and Wales will be descending on Solihull Indoor Bowls Club next weekend when it plays host to the Disability Bowls England Para Home Nations Championships.
Following a grand opening on Friday, April 22 at 1pm featuring local MP Julian Knight and borough Mayor Councillor Ken Meeson competition will begin in what is sure to be a fiercely contested weekend event.
Three teams of some 25 players each, plus their back up staff, trainers and supporters will be battling it out on the Solihull club’s eight rinks for the prize of being crowned home nations champions.
And organiser Becky Gould said although it was the disability championship that in no way fairly described the talent of the players who would be taking part.
“They are truly amazing – for instance their visually impaired players are easily capable of beating the able bodied,” she said.
The Brick Kiln Lane club is no stranger to international competition having held this event in years gone by and recently hosting the Malaysian national team as they prepared for the Birmingham Commonwealth Games 2022.
Not only that but it’s success in attracting top tournaments and teams is also bringing an economic boost to the local economy.
“We have been building up a relationship with Disability England and they have started using the club, and they asked us if we could be the venue for these championships,” said Becky.
“A lot of people see bowls as an old person’s game but during lockdown the government was urging people of all ages to do something that promoted their health , taught them a new skill and that offered opportunities to socialise and exercise, and bowls ticks all those boxes, whatever your age.”
Spectators are welcome to cheer the teams on – or to have a go at a later date.
For more information call: 0121 709 2233.
