Category Entry: News Item 2023

Meet Barbara May: Leading the Way as Executive Director of Bowls Alberta

Category : News Item 2023

Barbara May, the executive director of Bowls Alberta, brings a wealth of experience and accomplishments to her role. With over 25 years of diverse professional experience, Barbara has held positions as a school counsellor, physical education teacher, program director, career and employment consultant, and executive director.

 

Prior to her current role, Barbara served as the executive director of the Alberta Racquetball Association for eight years, where her enthusiasm and passion to make Alberta a leader in the delivery of coaching, high performance, and community programs resulted in the development of world-class athletes that have taken the stage in national, and international competition. She also served as the executive director of the Alberta Cerebral Palsy Sports Association for two years, further showcasing her dedication to promoting inclusivity in sports.

 

Throughout her career, Barbara has achieved numerous highlights and milestones. As the Director of Interprovincial Relations for Racquetball Canada, she played a pivotal role in developing the Let’s Play Racquetball and Hall of Fame programs, contributing to the growth and recognition of the sport. Her collaboration with Canadian National Champion Kris Odegard resulted in the creation of the Racquetball Practice Program, which garnered over 500,000 views on YouTube.

 

Barbara’s exceptional contributions to the sports community earned her the prestigious 3M Coach Recognition Award for “Outstanding Contribution to the Sports Community.” Additionally, she has been actively involved in coaching education, teaching the Level 1 and 2 theory courses of the National Coaching Certification Program for 15 years. Her dedication to professional development led her to attain a Level-3 Coach Certification with the National Coaching Certification Program (NCCP).

 

Outside of her involvement in racquetball, Barbara has also made a significant impact in the realm of gymnastics. She played a pivotal role in growing the Horizon Gymnastics Club from 140 to 400 members, fostering the development of young athletes in the sport. Her own athletic achievements include winning Team Gold at the 1984 Canada West Universities Athletic Association’s Gymnastics Championship as a member of the University of Alberta’s Panda’s Gymnastics Team. Barbara’s athletic prowess and dedication were recognized with the Jimmy Condon Athletic Award.

 

Barbara May holds a Bachelor of Education Degree from the University of Alberta, further solidifying her educational foundation and expertise in her field. With her extensive experience, diverse skill set, and remarkable achievements, Barbara brings a wealth of knowledge and leadership to her role as the executive director of Bowls Alberta.


Registration now open for 2023 Fours Championships

Category : News Item 2023

2023 Fours Championships

June 23 – 25, 2023 Commonwealth Lawn Bowling Club

 

Register online here

Registration Deadline: Friday, June 16, 2023

Entry fee: $140 per team (Skip, please register your team)

 

General Tournament Schedule

Friday, June 23, 2023
5:00 pm – Check-in
5:45 pm – Trial ends
6:00 pm – Start time

Saturday, June 24, & Sunday, June 25, 2023
8:45 am – Trial ends
9:00 am – Start time*
*Start times for 2nd and 3rd daily rounds will be announced by Drawmaster

 


Bowls Alberta announces 2023 Athlete Development Squad

Category : News Item 2023

Congratulations to the 2023 Alberta Development Squad members:

 

Bob Selzler

Cheryl Storrow

Brent Warren

Fred Emms

Alexis Gallacher

Brad Roden

Peter McCluskey

Kiera Schaelow

Mike O’Reilly

Stephen Meloche

Teryn Mitchell

Francis Standen

Scott Packer

Easton Courtier

 

Sorry, this comes so late, as the announcement was to be made in mid-April! Several reasons why…and none that matter any longer, so we move ahead stress-free. And if you noted anyone missing from this list that you knew was interested, please tell them to contact me!

 

Pat Vos
Head Coach
Bowls Alberta

coach@bowlsalberta.com


Bowls Alberta Survey on Changes to 2024 BCB National Championships

Category : News Item 2023

The survey about the changes to the National Championships distributed to Bowls Alberta members is complete.  Thank you to everyone who took the survey and especially for your thoughtful responses to the questions.

 

The survey report is available for you to look at. Bowls Alberta – survey report

 

What we have learned is that Alberta bowlers are divided in their support of the new format. We have noted that 59% of respondents who have competed at the provincial and national level disagree with the changes compared to 28% who agree.  We realize this is significant and respect the concerns of this group of competitive players.

 

Bowls Alberta will share the survey report with Bowls Canada.  We will ask them to provide a plan of what the future could look like to address concerns that Alberta would have fewer competitive opportunities under the new format.  We will highlight that Singles Championships are a major concern that need further consideration.

 

Bowls Alberta looks forward to further dialogue with Bowls Canada.