Lawn bowling tries to escape from staid, stereotyped image

BY MICHAEL PIASETZKI

Considering the popularity of curling in Quebec and the West Island, it would seem a no-brainer those who partake in it would gravitate towards lawn bowling during the summer.

After all, knowledgeable participants readily admit the similarities are evident. All complex strategies aside, the ultimate object of lawn bowling is to get your bowl closest to the jack, while curlers attempt to land the rock closest to the centre of the house.

“We actually do have a lot of curlers in our sport,” said Ann Dittmar, a coach at the Pointe Claire Lawn Bowling Club who is also a member of the Quebec Lawn Bowling Federation’s board of directors. “But a lot of people go to their cottages during the summer, and golf as well. It really comes down to a matter of time. Before we can get somebody to lawn bowl though, we have to explain what the game is actually about. It’s not a private thing, and we don’t always wear white anymore. If people would just walk in the door of any of our clubs here in the West Island, someone would be more than happy to explain to them what the game is all about.”

If they did, it wouldn’t take long to realize lawn bowling is far from the stereotyped image people have of it. It can be very competitive. In fact, it’s part of the Commonwealth Games and supporters hope it one day becomes an Olympic sport.

Locally, provincial playdowns are held each year, with winners going on to play at national championships. Pairs’ competition unfolded recently at both Beaconsfield and Pierrefonds lawn bowling clubs. When all was said and done, Michel Larue and Stephen Woods, a former junior competitor for Beaconsfield finished first while Dave Driediger and John Wilson of Beaconsfield came second. On the women’s side, Shirley Wright and Carolyn McGarr of Pierrefonds would up second.￿