Weekend aims to increase people giving sport a try

BOWLS' Big Weekend is returning for its fifth year and is set to be the biggest yet with a record-breaking 800+ clubs signed up to take part, including clubs in Somerset.

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Taking place from May 23-26, the annual national event is designed to introduce more people to the sport of bowls, with clubs nationwide opening their doors for the bank holiday weekend, offering free taster sessions available to all ages and abilities. The weekend creates a welcoming atmosphere for returning players or those totally new to the game, but also offers a great, free day out for families.

Bowls' Big Weekend is organised by Bowls England, in partnership with Aviva, and is aiming to introduce 20,000 new people to the sport this year. A number of clubs in Somerset are ready to host next month, including Winscombe and Wells.

Bowls' Big Weekend has become a staple event in the bowls' calendar, with 129 of the clubs having signed up every year so far, with this year set to be bigger than ever. Since the introduction of Bowls' Big Weekend, more than 60,000 people have registered with their local clubs to take part.

Bowls is an accessible sport that offers a place of community, particularly for those with low mobility to maintain a level of physical activity. Cancer Research UK are collaborating with the event this year to help support the game that has been a lifeline for many going through cancer treatment.

Sian Honnor, four-time Commonwealth medallist and Bowls England board member said: "Bowls has so much to offer as a sport, it really is something that everyone can get involved in. Bowls' Big Weekend is always a brilliant weekend to showcase what our sport had to offer.

"People should definitely get down to their local clubs and give bowls a go, and who knows, we might uncover some future talent for the England squad."