Cheryl Waterman
Last Sunday was a landmark day for Port Natal Bowls as 38 junior bowlers under the age of 25 gathered for trials at Westville Country Club – a testament to the district’s extraordinary growth in youth participation.
The numbers speak volumes. In August 2023, only eight scholar bowlers were registered on the Bowls South Africa database for the Port Natal district. Today, 15 months later, that figure has surged to an incredible 65!
The trials, held amidst the buzz of school holidays, missed 12 potential participants unable to attend through family holiday commitments.
Still, the event saw a dazzling display of determination and talent, including stand-out performances by two remarkable 10-year-olds: Stella Park’s Miah Ertekes and Umhlanga’s MJ Bock.
Although not selected for the squad, both youngsters showed immense promise, demonstrating skill and spirited enthusiasm far beyond their years.
This meteoric rise in junior bowls is largely credited to the tireless efforts of John Perfect, whose vision and drive have been instrumental in creating opportunities for young bowlers through junior tournaments and events.
As the trials unfolded, anticipation built towards the announcement of the 24-strong squad moving forward to the next stage in January.
From this pool, and the 12 potentials who missed the first round of trials, the final selections will be made for four under-25 players and eight under-18 players to represent Port Natal at the BSA Junior Nationals in Bloemfontein in March.
Before the squad announcement, Ken Fann, the convenor of Port Natal selectors, delivered an encouraging address to those who weren’t selected.
With sincerity, he acknowledged their hard work and passion, urging them not to lose hope.
He reminded the younger players of the years they had ahead to refine their skills and grow within the sport. His words served as a realistic reminder that bowls is a journey of dedication and continuous improvement.
Now, the focus shifts to preparations for the nationals – a thrilling prospect for the district and its rising stars.
To ensure these talented juniors can represent Port Natal Bowls on the national stage, an ambitious fundraising campaign is under way.
In an exciting development, Roger Boulle, an Aero Bowls agent, has generously donated a R5 000 voucher toward a set of Aero Bowls. This generous contribution will be raffled to kick-start fundraising efforts.
The call for support extends across all clubs in the district. Club presidents are urged to reach out to Shaun O’Brien, convenor of the Junior Bowls Committee, at 074 470 7788 or [email protected] to arrange for raffle sheets.
Participation in this initiative is about more than raising funds – it’s a statement of solidarity, ensuring the future of the sport is as bright as the talent seen on Sunday.
As we celebrate this incredible progress in junior bowls, it’s clear that the passion, dedication and community spirit driving this growth are laying the foundation for a thriving future.
Let’s rally behind our juniors, and give them every opportunity to shine on the national stage!