Bowls hit hard by virus
District president urges bowlers to stay positive
COVID-19 has had a major effect on the local bowls community including district, clubs, their staff and members.
I caught up for a Q&A with Brian Marshall, president of Bowls Gold Coast Tweed, a director of Bowls Queensland and who also runs his own greenkeeping business:
As the men’s district president, what effects has this had on your operation?
“We have ceased all district competitions for the very near future until we know more about the virus and when clubs can reopen. The committee is working hard for the district on a program for when the clubs reopen.”
The Queensland State District Sides was recently added to the list of events postponed to next year. What other events may be affected?
“It is doubtful at this stage whether Gold Coast Tweed Men’s Pennant will go ahead as planned in July. This will be monitored weekly. The $12,000 Open Pairs we were looking to run in October may be in jeopardy. We will wait for Bowls Australia to decide whether the nationals will go ahead in October at Broadbeach. It’s a shame for our clubs that the Australian Open has been cancelled and the World Bowls being postponed until next year – at least both events will still take place in 2021 on the Coast.”
What advice can you give clubs to help maintain their bowling greens while closed?
“I would definitely be looking at subsidies from the federal and state governments to keep greenkeepers working on the greens. This is to keep them in a good condition for when everyone gets back to the clubs.”
Your district has done a great job showing many games live on Facebook for the enjoyment of bowlers around the world. What are your plans with this in the future?
“We can’t wait to livestream again and get our games out to the world. At the moment, we are putting a game up on Facebook every day from our archives. We would also like to get around to our clubs when they’re open to help promote them and their championship events.”
What message would you like to pass on to bowlers in the Gold Coast Tweed?
“Everyone involved in the sport needs to stay positive during these tough times and look forward to getting back on to the greens.”