Senior bowlers gather for day of friendship and competition at Allen Park

The Allen Park Bowling Club hosted its Big Easterns Senior Bowls Day on June 5.

The event, held on the first Friday of each month at rotating clubs, brings together senior bowlers from different clubs across Ekurhuleni to connect, socialise and enjoy the game of bowls.

Spectators and players alike enjoyed a relaxed and fun-filled day of camaraderie and conversation as the Ekurhuleni Seniors took to the greens.

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Allen Park Bowling Club president Greta Bezuidenhout said the sport, traditionally associated with older participants, continues to offer older adults aged 65 to 75 an opportunity to remain active in a competitive environment while also enjoying a strong social network.

“Such events are so important because elders in retirement villages often become lonely and tend to isolate themselves. These gatherings allow them to stay busy, step out of their routine and socialise with people,” she said.

She added that social events also play an important role in fundraising, as the club operates independently and is responsible for its own maintenance and equipment costs.

Cyril Simes, who has been playing bowls at Allen Park for five years, shared his appreciation for the event and what he enjoys most about the Ekurhuleni Seniors League.

“It’s such a great experience and privilege to be playing with bowlers of this calibre. The fellowship, camaraderie, social interaction and connection with people of a similar age is what I enjoy most about the sport,” Simes said.

The club has encouraged more people to take up the sport and plans to host additional social and fundraising events in the future.