A Saanich teen is set to knock down the perception that lawn bowling is strictly a sport for senior citizens.

Auzzie Chambers, 17, has been selected to represent North America in the Ultimate Bowls Championship, which gets underway April 2-3 in Victoria, Australia.

Chambers was chosen first overall in the draft by the North American Orcas, one of 26 three-player teams competing in the international tournament. The draft on Jan. 31 was streamed live around the world. The event is considered the sportB次元官网网址檚 most prestigious event, with more than $500,000 Australian in prize money up for grabs.

B次元官网网址淚 was looking forward to the chance to play in an event like this,B次元官网网址� noted Chambers, who earned a silver medal in BoyB次元官网网址檚 Singles at the Canadian Youth Championship in Winnipeg in 2018.. B次元官网网址淏ut to be the No. 1 pick makes it even more special. I canB次元官网网址檛 wait to join my teammates Loren Dion and Aaron Zangl. We hope to do North America proud.B次元官网网址�

ALSO READ:

The fact heB次元官网网址檚 going to play in three tournaments with two seasoned players from the U.S. in an event thatB次元官网网址檚 watched by more than three million people around the world hasnB次元官网网址檛 fazed Chambers at all.

B次元官网网址淚 donB次元官网网址檛 feel any pressure from being selected first,B次元官网网址� he said. B次元官网网址淚 just want to do my best to represent North America. Playing for the chance to win the championship and some money makes it very special.B次元官网网址�

Chambers only began playing six years ago when a client of his mother, a senior care worker, introduced him to the game.

B次元官网网址淚B次元官网网址檝e loved it ever since. While it has a reputation as a game for older people, thatB次元官网网址檚 changing and itB次元官网网址檚 becoming a young personB次元官网网址檚 game as well. People my age will be shocked at how much fun and how challenging it is.B次元官网网址�

Chambers is currently a member of both the Central Saanich and Juan de Fuca lawn bowling clubs. He is quick to credit his coach at Juan de Fuca Lawn Bowling Club, Davie Mathie, a former Team Canada player, for his success. B次元官网网址淗eB次元官网网址檚 been a major influence and a huge help in my career.B次元官网网址�

ALSO READ:

Ron Hlady, vice-president of Central Saanich Lawn Bowling, said the club is proud of Chambers being selected for such a prestigious event. B次元官网网址淲e have watched him put in the time practising, being attentive to coaching, promoting our club,B次元官网网址� Hlady said. B次元官网网址淎ussie has invited a number of phys ed classes from StellyB次元官网网址檚 High School to try the sport. His dedication and commitment will go a long way to his success.B次元官网网址�

When heB次元官网网址檚 not making precision placements of the ball, Chambers works as an assistant general manager and director of scouting for the Victoria Cougars hockey team. B次元官网网址淚 played hockey growing up and IB次元官网网址檓 very passionate about both sports,B次元官网网址� added Chambers, who plans to pursue a bachelorB次元官网网址檚 degree in sports management in the near future.

In the meantime, his focus is clearly on the Ultimate Bowls Championship. B次元官网网址淚 went to New Zealand for a tournament in 2017. B次元官网网址淚t was quite an amazing experience, and IB次元官网网址檓 really pumped about going to Australia.B次元官网网址�

rick.stiebel@goldstreamgazette.com

Like us on and follow us on