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

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

2023 Fours Championships

Bowls Alberta announces 2023 Athlete Development Squad

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

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.

Long Term Service Award

Every fall we also recognize someone who has contributed significantly for many years to the organization and growth of lawn bowls in Alberta.  We salute Margaret Bruce, member of the Commonwealth Club, who has served on the board for her home club as well as a few times at the provincial level.  She has been an umpire and officiated not only at provincial events but was head umpire for one national championship. She was an outstanding player representing Alberta a few times at Canadian Championships.  Margaret has filled the role of drawmaster for provincial events. And Margaret has been instrumental in helping organize and run Canadian Championships over the years.  The 2022 Long Term Service award is presented to Margaret Bruce!

Annual Awards

At the Membership Meeting on October 15, 2022, our annual award recipients were announced. Congratulations to Barb Moll, of the Medicine Hat Lawn Bowling Club for her many contributions over the past year.  She was chair of the Youth Development Committee and led youth events at her club. She was instrumental in working with Boccia Alberta to have them host their provincial championships at her club.  And she helped host the Medicine Hat Memorial Triples. The MH Club is fortunate to have someone who is so dedicated to the growth of our sport!  Barb was awarded the 2022 Volunteer of the Year award.

Mixed Pairs Championships conclude…

Thank you to the Rotary Park for hosting the Provincial Mixed Pairs Championships this past weekend and to Joanna Cooper for being drawmaster and to Dwayne and Bev Hauck for sharing the umpire duties. With 12 teams participating we had two pools of 6 players playing in a round robin format and the top two from each pool advanced.  Play was exceptional from all the teams as they played again in very hot conditions!

Congratulations to the medalists:
Gold: Brian and Debbie Ranger
Silver: Ju Hyun Cho & Linda Kodnar
Bronze: Keith Bacon & Marilyn Ballinger

For pictures check our Facebook page.

The Pairs Championships Trophies Presented!

This past weekend the Provincial Pairs Championships were held at the Commonwealth Lawn Bowling club with five women’s teams and nine men’s teams battling on the greens and surviving the hot weather! After 5o games…many very close…the top teams rose to the playoff rounds. Six more games were played for the playoff rounds and the winners were declared!

Women’s Pairs
Gold: Joanna Cooper & Jenn MacDonald
Silver: Alexis Gallacher & Kiera Schaelow
Bronze: Pauline Wong & Cheryl Storrow

Men’s Pairs
Gold: Greg Wilson & Derek Dillon
Silver: Roy Riege & Keith Johnson
Bronze: Kevin Dusablon & Justin Dusablon

The Melissa Ranger Memorial Trophy was presented by Debbie Ranger to Joanna and Jenn. The George Shillabeer Memorial Trophy was presented by Pat Vos to Greg and Derek, for the second time!

Youth Championships were a HUGE success!

The Alberta Youth Championships for U18 and U25 were held July 9 and 10 at the Highlands Lawn Bowling Club in Edmonton.  A small U12 tournament was also added as a trial event.  Fifteen youth competed in the various divisions and the games were amazing to watch.  The skill level was already great to begin with but for many of the players it improved by leaps and bounds over the two days!  Everyone was a winner in their own way and have laid a great foundation for continuing to build up the youth programs both in Calgary and in Edmonton!

The medalists are listed on the 2022 Results Page.  Those that will represent Alberta at the Canadian Championships being held the first week of August in Ontario, are our U25 players Alexis Gallacher and Brad Roden and our U18 players Kiera Schaelow, Teryn Mitchell, Easton Couturier, and Mohammed Barakat!

Thank you Highlands and all your volunteers for hosting such a great event! And thank you the City of Edmonton and the Province of Alberta for the funding we receive to not only put on great events but also to send players for a great adventure and the privilege of representing Alberta at the Canadian Championships!

For pictures visit the Facebook pages of Highlands Lawn Bowling Club, Calgary Lawn Bowling Club and of Bowls Alberta!