They Come, They Play, and They Stay for Winter

 

As many as 2000 visitors are drawn to the Sunshine Coast for up to three months for the annual Winter Bowls Carnival, which is celebrating its 50th year.

The chairman of the Winter Carnival committee, George Lock said visitors came from all over Australia and New Zealand, with a particularly large contingent from Victoria and from across the Tasman.

He said some people stay on the Sunshine Coastfor up to three months, particularly those who have been coming for a number of years. "It becomes part of their lifestyle. They come here, stay and spend. They don't just visit to play in the tournaments they also play social events at the local bowls club during the week," he said.

Mr Lock said while some bowlers were attracted to the tournament for the prize money, the majority visit the Sunshine Coast for the weather, a common interest in bowls, to renew friendships, and for the social aspect.

Sunshine Coast Destination Ltd (SCDL) applauds the ongoing success of the event which attracts visitors annually to the Sunshine Coast. SCDL CEO, Steve Cooper said sporting events were invaluable to the region in terms of boosting the local economy particularly through the accommodation, hospitality and retail sectors.

A veteran of the game of lawn bowls, Mr Lock started playing 33 years ago and found it was a great way to have fun. He says despite the competitive nature, it is enjoyable, very social, and he has made lifelong friendships.

He has been at the helm of the Winter Carnival Committee for five years and said there were only four of them on the committee and they worked very hard, to promote, organise and oversee the event.

He said without their major sponsors: Sunshine Coast Council, Events Queensland and Maroochy RSL, they wouldn't be able to run the event because they rely on sponsorship to promote the carnival.

Mr Lock said entries remain open until the day before the competition commences so if there are any players who wish to participate in the next tournament which commences on 3 July, they should go online and download an entry form from http://www.scdmba.com.au/, or drop into their local bowls club.