Bowled over by Paphos
Europe’s bowlers will arrive in Paphos this week to participate in a team event. It’s a sport that is growing in popularity on the island although few Cypriots yet take part
The Cyprus team has high hopes for the seventh European Bowling Union team championships in Paphos, planning to make it into the top three.
“We would like to beat Spain, who finished third last time. We felt they were a particular challenge to us, with a similar team combination to ours,” says President of Bowls Cyprus and national team member, Linda Ryan. Two women and two men will represent Cyprus at the championships. They will play singles and then mixed pairs.
The players were hand picked by selectors and national coach Mike Cooper from an academy of the top 20 players in Cyprus. “There were training sessions and they eliminated us, and paired us up,” explains Ryan. Unfortunately there are not many Cypriots involved though. “It’s very hard to try and encourage Cypriots to play,” says Ryan, “as they work very hard and enjoy time with their families at weekends. But this is a matter that we are actively addressing at the moment; it would be great to get them participating in the sport.”
The team has been practising hard. “I’m starting to get a bit of a buzz going,” says Ryan, “and I’ve already had a number of calls from participants from various countries that would like to meet up with the Cyprus team.”
The Championships start on Sunday and run through until Friday at the Athena Beach Hotel and the Athena Royal Beach Hotel, which are part of the Constantinou Bros Group, the competition’s sponsors. Sixteen teams will be competing, including Cyprus, England, Wales, Guernsey, Holland, Ireland, Israel, Spain, Scotland and Portugal.
The forthcoming tournament is a prestigious affair and is organised by the British-based European Bowling Union, and secretary, Roy Peacock, has been liasing with the Athena Beach Hotel. Their officials will be here from February 19 to check everything is correct and in place.
The competition takes place every two years and the winner is presented with a trophy, at a Gala dinner and dance taking place at the hotel on Friday.
The Athena was chosen to host the competition because of its facilities. “They’ve undergone tremendous upgrading and increased what’s on offer,” Ryan says. “They’ve gone to a lot of expense to attract bowls tourists; they were offered the opportunity to hold the championship and they took it.
“I’ve competed in a lot of international events, and honestly nothing can compare to this. They also hosted the event in 2007. Usually you get a packed lunch and a drink. Here they offer a full buffet, bed and breakfast and an evening meal.”
The event was held at the same venue two years ago and attracted hundreds of spectators every day. “Our profile has been raised over the last 12 months, and bowling is becoming more popular. People are really starting to notice us. We want people to come along and watch and think to themselves, I wouldn’t mind having a go at that,” says Ryan.
Bowlers in Cyprus are determined to take the national team to the global stage, by competing in the 2010 Commonwealth Games in New Delhi, India.
“Four members of bowls Cyprus went for an interview with the Commonwealth Games and Olympic Commission in Nicosia to find out what we would need to do to apply for entry into the Commonwealth Games as a team to represent Cyprus,” explains Ryan. “We could give some of the other countries a run for their money if we have the right combination.”
And this is Ryan’s dream: “to walk into the arena, being led on by someone carrying the Cypriot flag would be amazing,” she says.
Trevor and Anne Allman are the bowls co-ordinators for the Constantinou brothers’ hotels. They are employed by the hotel group during the winter season to look after bowlers using the facilities. “The hotels increased their rinks to facilitate the demand for bowling. There are 18 rinks at the Athena Beach and six indoor rinks. We can guarantee that bowlers will be able to participate every day come rain or shine. If it’s wet they may use the indoor rinks, and also in the summer, it’s far cooler on the indoor rinks,” explains Anne.
The Allmans had previously brought groups out to Cyprus on bowling holidays. “Back in the UK, where we spend the summers, we play bowls in the Dorset county leagues. We’re also level 2 bowling coaches,” Anne explains.
“This venue is excellent, and bowling is definitely catching on. As regards the competition, the European bowling union are running it, but we ensure the infrastructure is in place. The players like the fact that they are on site. They are able to play a match and then relax in the hotel without having to travel anywhere.”
Her husband adds, “it’s our fourth year as co-ordinators, and I would say bowling is going from strength to strength.
“I know our national team will be competing in South Africa and Hong Kong in the next couple of months. They’re also trying to bring the most prestigious of bowls tournaments to Cyprus, the champion of champions, in a couple of years’ time.
Linda Ryan, Ben Hebdige, Sol Robertson and John Woodcock will represent Cyprus at the championships.
The Championships will commence with an official opening ceremony on Sunday February 22 at 9am at the Athena Royal Beach Hotel’s bowling green. On following days, bowling will commence at 9am. Spectators can purchase a daily ticket for €4, or a weekly ticket for €16. Tickets can be bought in advance from Athena Beach Hotel reception, the bowls co-coordinators or local bowling Clubs. The Championships will end with a closing ceremony on Friday February 27 at 3.30pm at the Athena Royal Beach Hotel bowls green
