Rings around the competition

THE nation’s best rope quoits players are set to perform in Sebastopol.

Ballarat Rope Quoits Association is hosting the 2022 Australian Rope Quoits Council Championships at the Sebastopol Bowling Club on Saturday, 1 and Sunday, 2 October.

The comp will include open, veterans, intermediate and junior men, ladies and intermediate ladies singles categories, and the A grade, B grade and ladies team contests.

Association president Sue Taylor, also the current reigning Australian ladies champion, said the rope quoits community is a social one.

“We’re looking forward to catching up as we haven’t had the championships in the last two years due to COVID. It’s a great bunch of people, and it’s like a family reunion when we play,” she said.

“I’ve been playing for about 30 years. It’s a game for all ages. We’ve got seniors, juniors, and all skills.”

The quoits community is shrinking in Australia due to an ageing population, and the pandemic interrupting consistent play, so Association members encourage those young and old to give it a go together.

Ms Taylor said although it might seem simple, quoits is challenging, but it’s a fun family sport.

“It’s all about hand-eye coordination, and with a bit of practice, people improve. We encourage everyone, including people with disabilities,” she said.

“Sometimes we have three generations playing in the same team.”

The regular Ballarat Rope Quoits Association comp runs throughout autumn and winter on Wednesday evenings at the Sebastopol Bowling Club, the Royal Mail Hotel, and in Invermay.

Spectators are welcome at the 2022 Australian Rope Quoits Council Championships.