Parabowls Singapore, also known as The Lawn Bowls Association for the Disabled (Singapore) [LBADS], has unveiled ambitious plans to push for the construction of four additional lawn bowls facilities by 2026, an initiative that seeks to not only promote the sport but also to ensure sufficient venues for its practice and competitions by the time the 2029 Southeast Asian Games (SEAG29) and ASEAN Para Games (APG29) comes around in five years time.
These plans include a collaborative effort to promote the inclusion of lawn bowls – for both the able and disabled – at the SEAG29 and APG29, which will be hosted in the Lion City.
Singapore last hosted the SEA Games and Para Games in 2015, and lawn bowls as a sport was not included then.
The association shared its plans to push for the possibility of constructing another four additional lawn bowl facilities by 2026, an initiative that seeks to not only promote the sport but also to ensure sufficient venues for its practice and competitions by the time the 2029 ASEAN Para Games comes around.
They have already kickstarted the plans to roll out indoor short mat lawn bowls at the community level, starting from Tanjong Pagar and Bishan Community Clubs (CCs).
The intent for the next two years is to implement and promote indoor short mat lawn bowls at the rate of 10 CCs per year.
The association’s plans were shared during the 20th anniversary dinner held at the Singapore Recreation Club which was attended by Guest of Honour Denise Phua, Mayor of Central Singapore District and Eric Chua, Senior Parliamentary Secretary, Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth & Ministry of Social and Family Development, who was present as a special guest.
James Chia, President of Parabowls Singapore, said, “This milestone anniversary marks an exciting new chapter for Parabowls Singapore as we look towards the future with renewed passion and dedication to the promotion of lawn bowls.”
“We are at the crossroads as an organisation, and we envisage that we will need to push ourselves to serve our community a lot more over the next 20 years and beyond.
“It is our duty, and we are committed to providing a lot more opportunities for the community of lawn bowlers.”
In addition to the anniversary celebrations, Parabowls Singapore also celebrated recent achievements by the national team in 2023, including successes at the 2023 World Bowls Championship (bronze medal by Mr Gordon Singh and Mr Khirmern Mohamad in the men’s para pairs) and at the 4th Asian Para Games 2023 (silver medal in the Women’s B6 Singles by Ms Faridah Salleh and bronze medal in the Men’s B7 Singles by Mr Khirmern Mohamad).
These achievements were historic for the sport in Singapore.
Though small in numbers, these achievements underscore the growing prowess of Singaporean lawn bowlers on the international stage.
Looking towards the future, Parabowls Singapore is committed to fostering community outreach and engagement. The organisation strives to initiate an indoor short mat bowling at community level at the rate of 10 centres annually.
This initiative will aim to make the sport accessible to individuals of all ages and abilities, particularly the elderly and disabled.
“The Asian Para Games has shown us that we can excel at the elite level, and our athletes will need more support along the way.
“Our mission is to bring more athletes into the fray, give them the support they need, and rally the community behind them,” added Mr Chia.
SW Strategies was the official media partner for Parabowls Singapore’s 20th Anniversary celebrations.
PHOTO: JOSE RAYMOND/SW STRATEGIES