Bowls athlete to share expertise

AUSTRALIAN bowling athlete Barrie Lester will be in town next month to bring his skills and experience to players in the region.

The three-time Commonwealth Games medalist will make his way to the Victoria Bowling Club’s Ballarat East home to offer coaching and advice to the district’s bowlers.

Club president Janet Norman said Lester’s presentation will be an insightful one for anyone interested in the sport.

“He’ll be running a coaching afternoon with Ballarat and surround district bowlers and then there’ll be an information evening where he’ll share some of his stories and highlights from his career,” she said.

“We’re hoping to get at least 64 people out to the coaching afternoon to fill our synthetic green. For the evening event, we can seat about 200 people.”

Ms Norman estimated about 37 Victorian clubs have been invited to attend from as far as Beaufort and Skipton, towards the Macedon Ranges and Kilmore.

The event will mark Lester’s first visit to the club in almost eight years and Ms Norman said it’s an incredible opportunity for learning.

“As far as the district’s concerned, we haven’t had anyone of this calibre down here for a very, very long time,” she said.

“It’s pretty exciting to have someone of Barrie’s calibre and skill to come down and actually be hands on with our players.

“Barrie’s also going to Portland and Colac over the two-day period he’s down here so we’re lucky enough to be part of this.”

Lester will appear at the Victoria Bowling Club on Tuesday 24 September.

The coaching afternoon will run from 2pm to 5pm and will cost $20 per person, each of whom will need to bring their own bowls.

The evening presentation will follow from 7pm to 9pm with tickets at $30 and supper provided.

Attendees can book both sessions together for $45.

To attend, contact [email protected] by Thursday 19 September.