Lawn Bowls
Lawn Bowls is one of the few sports that are naturally inclusive of both young and old, abled and disabled: literally everyone can participate actively in the sport. Although traditionally seen as sport for older people, Lawn Bowls has recently become very popular with teenagers from a broad range of social, economic and cultural backgrounds.
At Avondale College we work together with the New Lynn Bowling Club who are more than happy to provide experienced coaches (Clarry Gilles and Tracy Caddy) to give guidance to the students. These services are provided free of charge.
At Avondale College we aim to:
- Provide necessary resources to students in order to make Lawn Bowls more accessible;
- Allow students to develop an understanding and appreciation of lawn bowls as a recreational pursuit;
- Provide students with some basic skills and knowledge of the game which will enable them to play lawn bowls at their leisure;
- Enhance the development of co-ordination skills and provide stimulating exercise for the students. As lawn bowls is a game of strategy, practice will also help develop strategic skills;
- Develop links between schools and local bowls clubs so that students and teachers can continue to play bowls as a form of recreation.
Throughout the year students can enter tournaments to apply the above aims. The first and last tournaments of the year are introductory for those students who have little experience of the game and yet want to know what it is like to compete in the sport but with a less competitive, fun and friendly environment.
During term two the Auckland Collegiate Lawn Bowls Championships are held and this is followed later in the year by the Greater Auckland Collegiate Lawn Bowls Championships. Selection for representing Auckland in inter-district tournaments or even against Australia is based on success at these two tournaments.
Avondale College currently has 21 students developing their skills at the New Lynn Bowling club and participating at a variety of tournament levels.