Polokwane provides the platform for growth

-By Nicky De Jager

In an inspiring move to engage the younger generation in the traditional sport of lawn bowls, High School Pietersburg recently visited the Polokwane Bowls Club for an evening of fun and friendly competition.

The event, held in June—which fittingly coincides with Youth Month—proved to be the perfect occasion to introduce the sport to the youth.

 The Polokwane Bowls Executive Committee, along with the Standing Committee Members and Marketing Limpopo Bowls, warmly welcomed the 2024 Student Council of High School Pietersburg.

The event was attended by Hannah De Klerk, Chairperson of the “Pietieraad,” and Ina Van Der Merwe, Deputy Head of High School Pietersburg, who eagerly joined the students in rolling a few bowls and experiencing the game first-hand.

Bowls, often perceived as a sport for the older generation, has immense potential to be enjoyed by people of all ages. This event demonstrated that the sport is not only enjoyable but also offers numerous benefits for young players, including physical exercise, strategic thinking, and social interaction.

The excitement and enthusiasm of the students were palpable as they took to the greens, learning the nuances of the game and enjoying the camaraderie it fosters. Ina and Hannah’s participation highlighted that lawn bowls can be a delightful activity for educators and students alike, breaking the ice and building community spirit. High School Pietersburg’s head boy, Nicolas Oerlemans noted: "It's a pity we've only just discovered how enjoyable bowls is as a sport."

Polokwane Bowls Club and Limpopo Bowls aim to make such events a regular feature, promoting lawn bowls as an inclusive and engaging sport for the youth. With dedicated efforts, they hope to see an increase in young players taking up the sport, ensuring its vibrant future in the region.

This Youth Month let us celebrate the potential and energy of our youth by encouraging them to explore and enjoy lawn bowls — a sport that promises fun, fitness, and fellowship.

Join them at Polokwane Bowls Club and be part of this exciting journey!