Ayr welcomes the world of bowls
25th July 2004by Russell Langley
The World Bowls Championships got underway in Ayr last Friday, backed by over £300,000 from UK Sport’s Lottery-funded World Class Events Programme. Competitors from 24 countries will take part in singles, pairs, triples and fours events.
The Lottery award has contributed towards the staging costs of the Championships, the first time they have been held in Scotland since 1984. Through the World Class Events Programme, UK Sport distributes approximately £1.6 million of Lottery funding each year to support the bidding and staging costs of major events on home soil, as well as providing specialist support to organisers.
Sue Campbell, Chair of UK Sport, said: "The award demonstrates the significance we have placed on the Championships, and we have every confidence that the next two weeks will prove memorable for both competitors and spectators alike."
A key component in the securing of funding was the comprehensive development programme set up by the Scottish Bowling Association and backed by sportscotland which will ensure a lasting legacy once the Championships are over. The programme, which started more than two years ago, includes an identification scheme that has so far attracted over 100 umpires who have been assessed with a view to officiating at the Championships. It also aims to recruit 240 new coaches and 12,000 schoolchildren to the sport.
The Championships, which are being held at the Northfield Bowling Complex, run until 7 August.