Some of Scotland’s finest bowlers were on hand today (Monday 30th July) to tell the world that there are only 102 days to go until Glasgow hears if the city has won the honour of hosting the Commonwealth Games in 2014, as well as urging more young people to take up the Commonwealth sport of bowling.
As a Major Supporter of Glasgow’s bid for the 2014 Commonwealth Games, O2 has stepped in to highlight some of the great summer sports available to young people on the 102nd day before the winner of the bid is announced.
Commonwealth Games silver medal winner Kay Moran was on hand with 18-year-old Senior Internationalist Mark Kelsey and Claire Douglas, 20, the 2007 Scottish junior champion, to show how much fun bowling can be.
Bowling, known as the ‘9-to-90’ sport because people of all ages can join in, get outdoors, and enjoy a really competitive game, is one of the key Commonwealth sports planned for Glasgow in 2014.
Kay said: “I can’t believe decision day is so close – 102 days to go is a short space of time but I still want everyone in Scotland to think about what they can do to Back the Bid for Glasgow.
“Participating in sport is a great way to get out there and show that we are a nation with sport running through our veins. Kids and young people especially can have a great time bowling - meeting new friends, being outdoors and taking part in a really exciting sport. There are still two weeks left of the summer holidays, so why not go along to your local bowling club and ask if you can get some coaching?
“I’m excited as well that I’m with two young champions today who will be at their peak in 2014 should the Commonwealth Games come to Glasgow.”
Scotland excels at bowling at international level, scooping 23 Gold medals, 14 Silver and 17 Bronze from previous Commonwealth Games.
Ken Leitch, from O2 in Glasgow, said, “O2 completely supports encouraging children and young people to get into sport from any discipline.
"Lawn bowls is a discipline that is traditionally associated with the older generation but it can be just as fulfilling and fun for young people. It’s great to so see so many younger people playing lawn bowls at the top level and be successful at it. O2 is proud to be a major supporter of Glasgow’s bid for the 2014 Commonwealth Games. The city has so much to offer in many ways but its sporting success and facilities are second to none and now more people than ever before can enjoy and participate in sporting activities.”
Mark, a member of the Scotland Elite Squad for bowling, said he is keen to show other teenagers that bowling is a highly skilled and competitive game.
“Bowling has been brilliant for me – I’m competing at international levels in a really exciting sport that will take me all over the world in the years to come hopefully. It would be brilliant if Glasgow wins the Games and I’m behind the Bid all the way.”
Claire added that there are more and more young people getting interested in the sport.
“Bowling is really competitive as well as being great fun!
“I would love Scotland to win the bid to host the Commonwealth Games in 2014 – it would be magical to compete in front of my home crowd, with thousands of people cheering us on.”
There are an estimated 150,000 bowlers in Scotland of all ages, with Scottish Bowls Coaching running coaching sessions across the country including giving Primary Six and Primary Seven pupils taster sessions of bowling. For more information on bowling coaching visit http://www.scottishbowlscoaching.co.uk/