Recognising 20 years of service to bowls

BY MICHELLE TAIT

AT the fiftieth National Indoor Bias Bowls Championships held in Mt Gambier earlier this year, Ian Hedger was awarded his Certificate of Achievement honoring two decades of dedication and commitment to the Victorian Indoor Bias Bowls Association.

Hedger has fulfilled many roles over the years starting for Ballarat Indoor Bias Bowls Association as Vice President in 1999. He served the next three terms as President followed by a term as Junior Vice President.

Hedger became Secretary in 2005 and has filled that role since. He is also the current Assistant Secretary for VIBBA and has held this position since 2008. If that is not enough, he’s a current state selector, starting 2010, and a delegate on the Australian Indoor Bias Bowls committee for the last eight years.

On a bowls front Hedger transitioned to Indoor Bowls during his first off season at Ballarat East in 1990. He has also played for VRI and currently represents Midlands Bowling Club. He was first accepted into the Victorian squad in 1998 as was one of his sons, Travis. The year prior Hedger was proud when he Skipped his team to be runners up in the men’s fours. Two of his sons, Dwayne and Travis, were in his team. Hedger was also thrilled watching his daughter Narelle win the Australian junior singles in 2004.

Hedgers first medal at a state level came in 2002 landing runner up in the mixed fours, followed by another highlight when he skipped the mixed fours to a gold medal in 2011, backing it up with another gold in 2012 and bringing home bronze in 2013.

He has won the BIBBA triples in 2019, mixed fours in 2018 and men’s pairs in 2015 with another of his sons Stuart. Hedger has won many events over the years except the men’s singles, but he’s come second on six occasions.

Hedger said he admires people like Monica Koran, Chris Dudman, Glenn Sargent and David Speechley. He said they are all are dedicated to the sport and its growth. He is proud of his achievements and is glad that his family also share his passion.