COVID-19 UPDATES FROM BOWLS CANADA & ONTARIO LAWN BOWLS ASSOCIATION
Currently the information from Bowls Canada below:
In consideration of the impact that the COVID-19 virus and in line with advice from the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC), the Bowls Canada Board has made the decision to cancel all Bowls Canada sanctioned events for the 2020 season.
Our priority remains the health and safety of our athletes, coaches, officials, employees, volunteers, fans, partners and all associated with the Bowls Canada family. We have been closely following the situation as it unfolds, following the advice of our federal and various provincial governments, health authorities and the Canadian Sport Medicine Advisory Council. We recognize that many of our members fall into the most at risk demographic and decisions were made with a duty of care to protect all members.
CANADIAN SCHEDULE CHANGES
The Bowls Canada Board of Directors held an emergency meeting on Wednesday March 18th where the following decisions were made regarding Bowls Canada sanctioned events and activities.
SUPPORT FROM BOWLS CANADA
Bowls Canada’s plans are to use 2020 to develop programming for both long-term and short-term to provide support to clubs and PSOs.
WHAT CAN YOU DO?
During this time, it is essential that all Canadians follow the recommendations of their local health agencies, provincial governments and the Public Health Agency of Canada.
Local clubs will still need to meet minimum financial obligations and we encourage all bowlers across Canada to continue to support your club and your provincial associations. Even though you may not be on the greens as anticipated this season, your support will ensure that the greens and programs are there for seasons to come.
CONTACTING BOWLS CANADA
At this point, the House of Sport and the Bowls Canada office remains closed until further notice. Our staff are all working remotely to continue to provide support for our membership. Please contact us by email at office@bowlscanada.com Until we are able to access our office, we will not be able to fill orders.
CLOSING THOUGHTS
The Public Health Agency of Canada is continuously monitoring the public health risk associated with COVID-19 as new information becomes available. Updates on COVID-19 can be found at:
https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/diseases/2019-novel-coronavirus-infection.html
We would also like to remind our members of the following international cancellations:
“Bowls Canada and all of our member Provincial Associations and clubs will be impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. I believe that by working together we will overcome the current health crisis facing, not just Canadians, but people all over the world. These are difficult decisions that are before us, but there is also opportunity to come together in the face of this adversity and rise stronger than ever.
I would like to thank all of our Directors for their commitment and dedication over these last few days. Our staff has also worked tirelessly to stay on top of a situation that has been ever changing with each passing hour and I am extremely grateful for their efforts.
In the meantime, stay healthy. The days of enjoying the great game of bowls together will be with us again before we know it.“
Currently the information from Ontario Lawn Bowls Association below:
To: OLBA Club Members
C.C: District Chairs
Anna Mees, BCB
Ian Howard, BCB
Faye Blackwood
Sport and Recreation Consultant
Ministry of Heritage, Sport, Tourism, and Culture.
OLBA Contingency Plans for 2020 COVID-19
In the interest of keeping our Athletes, their families and all members of the Ontario community safe the following contingency plans have been decided by the OLBA Board of Directors.
1. The OLBA Board has decided to suspend all OLBA sanctioned Bowls activities. This decision was made to reflect the best advice that we are being given from our National and Provincial Health Authorities (It should be noted that Bowls Canada Boulingrin has also cancelled the 2020 National Championships). Any activity bringing groups of people physically together increases the risk and intensity of COVID-19 infection. This applies to lawn bowls, especially given the demographics of our membership. OLBA will continue to monitor and seek Health Authorities’ advice before deciding to lift this suspension. OLBA sanctioned activities include all Provincial and District Playdowns, all Clinics, Camps and Seminars. Furthermore, OLBA urges all member clubs to restrict activities to grounds keeping and maintenance. We will be publishing guidance on the minimum care needed for greens and how that can be done in a proper, social-distancing manner shortly.
2. The OLBA Board has waived all club member fees for 2020. The Board understands that most clubs have fixed costs that have to be met and we urge members to continue to support their club by paying club fees so that our facilities and greens are still there for us to enjoy after this crisis subsides. We will be publishing guidance to club executives with concrete financial suggestions on matters such as grants and municipal concessions. A revised OLBA budget showing reduced revenues and expenses for certain fixed and unavoidable costs has been prepared for the above contingency. We will also be discussing with our insurance company a reduced rate due to the shortened or cancelled season, however we keep coverage for required greens maintenance at the clubs. The Ministry of Heritage, Tourism,
sport and Culture have advised that they will continue to support the Ontario Amateur Sport Fund at existing levels.
3. The scheduled OLBA Spring meeting in Woodstock is cancelled.
Arrangements are currently underway to provide elections and we are reaching out to Club Presidents and proxies to enable electronic voting for the appointment of both Board members and the Auditors. In lieu of the scheduled AGM meeting OLBA will use our web site, OLBA.ca and social media to continue to provide members with ongoing updates. Please check these periodically.
4. Formation of a COVID-19 Committee.
We have formed a COVID-19 Committee for the purpose of addressing the concerns of clubs and bowlers affected by the public health emergency. Ralph Ellis (Chair) and Nan Hendren have been appointed to ensure Member Clubs are provided with updates on the developments of COVID-19 in a timely manner.
5. Greens Support.
The Greens committee will be contacting Guelph University and with their assistance will be developing a greens maintenance program to provide guidance to all clubs on the minimum amount of maintenance required to keep them healthy during this period of shutdown.
Bowls Canada plans for 2020 were announced on March 19th, 2020 and are available for your review on their website www.bowlscanada.com
On behalf of the OLBA Board please take all necessary precautions to keep healthy and safe.
Yours Sincerely
Phillip Francis
President OLB
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Currently the information from Bowls Canada below:
In consideration of the impact that the COVID-19 virus and in line with advice from the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC), the Bowls Canada Board has made the decision to cancel all Bowls Canada sanctioned events for the 2020 season.
Our priority remains the health and safety of our athletes, coaches, officials, employees, volunteers, fans, partners and all associated with the Bowls Canada family. We have been closely following the situation as it unfolds, following the advice of our federal and various provincial governments, health authorities and the Canadian Sport Medicine Advisory Council. We recognize that many of our members fall into the most at risk demographic and decisions were made with a duty of care to protect all members.
CANADIAN SCHEDULE CHANGES
The Bowls Canada Board of Directors held an emergency meeting on Wednesday March 18th where the following decisions were made regarding Bowls Canada sanctioned events and activities.
- Cancellation of the 2020 National Championships program including the inaugural Para Bowls Championships
- Cancellation of 2020 National Bowls Day Program
- Cancellation of the 2020 North American Challenge
- Suspension of NCCP coach programming until further notice
SUPPORT FROM BOWLS CANADA
Bowls Canada’s plans are to use 2020 to develop programming for both long-term and short-term to provide support to clubs and PSOs.
- Bowls Canada will be waiving fees for the 2020 season.
- We are committed to moving existing resources into virtual delivery format.
- A COVID-19 Response Team has been struck with the purpose to provide agile and responsive guidance for the Board so that we can support clubs and provincial associations through this pandemic. The Response Team is currently made up of President Ian Howard, Director Don Caswell and Executive Director Anna Mees.
- Recommendations for the short-term to support clubs and provinces will be coming through the BCB COVID-19 Response Team, but for now Bowls Canada is advising that everyone continue to follow government recommendations regarding closures and social distancing. This team will also be looking at further ways that support can be provided over this period.
- We will be releasing a section on our website for COVID-19 resources and announcements.
- We will continue to provide updates on our social media channels including www.facebook.com/BCBOfficial and Twitter @BCBBowls.
WHAT CAN YOU DO?
During this time, it is essential that all Canadians follow the recommendations of their local health agencies, provincial governments and the Public Health Agency of Canada.
Local clubs will still need to meet minimum financial obligations and we encourage all bowlers across Canada to continue to support your club and your provincial associations. Even though you may not be on the greens as anticipated this season, your support will ensure that the greens and programs are there for seasons to come.
CONTACTING BOWLS CANADA
At this point, the House of Sport and the Bowls Canada office remains closed until further notice. Our staff are all working remotely to continue to provide support for our membership. Please contact us by email at office@bowlscanada.com Until we are able to access our office, we will not be able to fill orders.
CLOSING THOUGHTS
The Public Health Agency of Canada is continuously monitoring the public health risk associated with COVID-19 as new information becomes available. Updates on COVID-19 can be found at:
https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/diseases/2019-novel-coronavirus-infection.html
We would also like to remind our members of the following international cancellations:
- 2020 World Bowls Championships
- 2020 IBD World Championships (Para-Bowls)
- 2020 World Bowls Indoor Championships
- 2020 Australian Open
“Bowls Canada and all of our member Provincial Associations and clubs will be impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. I believe that by working together we will overcome the current health crisis facing, not just Canadians, but people all over the world. These are difficult decisions that are before us, but there is also opportunity to come together in the face of this adversity and rise stronger than ever.
I would like to thank all of our Directors for their commitment and dedication over these last few days. Our staff has also worked tirelessly to stay on top of a situation that has been ever changing with each passing hour and I am extremely grateful for their efforts.
In the meantime, stay healthy. The days of enjoying the great game of bowls together will be with us again before we know it.“
Currently the information from Ontario Lawn Bowls Association below:
To: OLBA Club Members
C.C: District Chairs
Anna Mees, BCB
Ian Howard, BCB
Faye Blackwood
Sport and Recreation Consultant
Ministry of Heritage, Sport, Tourism, and Culture.
OLBA Contingency Plans for 2020 COVID-19
In the interest of keeping our Athletes, their families and all members of the Ontario community safe the following contingency plans have been decided by the OLBA Board of Directors.
1. The OLBA Board has decided to suspend all OLBA sanctioned Bowls activities. This decision was made to reflect the best advice that we are being given from our National and Provincial Health Authorities (It should be noted that Bowls Canada Boulingrin has also cancelled the 2020 National Championships). Any activity bringing groups of people physically together increases the risk and intensity of COVID-19 infection. This applies to lawn bowls, especially given the demographics of our membership. OLBA will continue to monitor and seek Health Authorities’ advice before deciding to lift this suspension. OLBA sanctioned activities include all Provincial and District Playdowns, all Clinics, Camps and Seminars. Furthermore, OLBA urges all member clubs to restrict activities to grounds keeping and maintenance. We will be publishing guidance on the minimum care needed for greens and how that can be done in a proper, social-distancing manner shortly.
2. The OLBA Board has waived all club member fees for 2020. The Board understands that most clubs have fixed costs that have to be met and we urge members to continue to support their club by paying club fees so that our facilities and greens are still there for us to enjoy after this crisis subsides. We will be publishing guidance to club executives with concrete financial suggestions on matters such as grants and municipal concessions. A revised OLBA budget showing reduced revenues and expenses for certain fixed and unavoidable costs has been prepared for the above contingency. We will also be discussing with our insurance company a reduced rate due to the shortened or cancelled season, however we keep coverage for required greens maintenance at the clubs. The Ministry of Heritage, Tourism,
sport and Culture have advised that they will continue to support the Ontario Amateur Sport Fund at existing levels.
3. The scheduled OLBA Spring meeting in Woodstock is cancelled.
Arrangements are currently underway to provide elections and we are reaching out to Club Presidents and proxies to enable electronic voting for the appointment of both Board members and the Auditors. In lieu of the scheduled AGM meeting OLBA will use our web site, OLBA.ca and social media to continue to provide members with ongoing updates. Please check these periodically.
4. Formation of a COVID-19 Committee.
We have formed a COVID-19 Committee for the purpose of addressing the concerns of clubs and bowlers affected by the public health emergency. Ralph Ellis (Chair) and Nan Hendren have been appointed to ensure Member Clubs are provided with updates on the developments of COVID-19 in a timely manner.
5. Greens Support.
The Greens committee will be contacting Guelph University and with their assistance will be developing a greens maintenance program to provide guidance to all clubs on the minimum amount of maintenance required to keep them healthy during this period of shutdown.
Bowls Canada plans for 2020 were announced on March 19th, 2020 and are available for your review on their website www.bowlscanada.com
On behalf of the OLBA Board please take all necessary precautions to keep healthy and safe.
Yours Sincerely
Phillip Francis
President OLB
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
WELCOME TO THE OSHAWA LAWN BOWLING CLUB
Are you looking for a challenge?
Do you want to make new friends?
Do you need some exercise?
Would you just like to have fun?
BOWLS COULD BE JUST WHAT YOU'RE LOOKING FOR!
Bowls, or lawn bowling as it is called in Canada, is a sport that men and women of all ages can play together on an equal basis. Physical strength plays a very small part in this game. Skill and strategy are the real factors and everyone can develop these, one day at a time. You may choose to play both social and competitive bowls. We hold a number of tournaments in our club that suits both of these interests.
Your membership also entitles you to enter tournaments at other clubs around the province as well. The game is much like curling with two, three or four people on a team competing against another team.
PROGRAMS
The Oshawa Lawn Bowling Club is one of the largest in Ontario with over 190 members. Our season starts in May and runs until the beginning of October. The programs vary, with something for everyone: club games and jitneys for the social bowlers, and tournaments for those who enjoy the competitive aspect of the sport. We play every day, seven days a week, at various times of the day and evening.
SPECIAL PROGRAMS
We have a morning dedicated to our Visually Impaired bowlers. Club volunteers assist these bowlers so that they may enjoy our sport as we do.
In addition, we also host the clients of the Oshawa Senior Citizens Day Program one morning a week wherein, once again, club volunteers guide the seniors in participating in lawn bowling for their enjoyment and the opportunity to engage in a sporting activity.
SOCIAL BOWLING
The nice part is you are not obligated to come every day. We do a random draw according to how many people show up. There are no set teams for social bowls. When playing social bowls, the teams are always mixed.
Periodically throughout the summer, we have a special event on a Friday evening to add to the fun. Go to Activities & Events on the menu, then Special Events from the drop-down menu for further details.
TOURNAMENTS
On our schedule of tournaments, there are two for club members only, twelve where outside clubs are invited to join us, a junior tournament, and one for novice bowlers.
SPONSORS
We are lucky to have generous community sponsors as well as club member sponsors for each of our tournaments. We invite you to check them out by clicking on Our Sponsors. We are very grateful for their continued support.
YOUTH BOWLERS
In addition to our growing Youth Program, in the spring and fall, another enthusiastic group of young people from two local high schools comes out to play, coached by our members, with lots of laughter and friendly competition. The Boys and Girls Club of Durham also use our greens as part of their summer program.
OPEN HOUSE
If you would like to try bowls or find out more about how the game is played, we invite you to come to our Open House in May, after Victoria Day, Tuesday to Friday, from 2 PM to 4 PM and from 7 PM to 9 PM. Our friendly coaches will teach you how to play the game and explain the strategy and rules for FREE! We guarantee you will have fun while adding this healthy activity to your life. Bring a friend or come alone. Everyone is welcome! All you need are flat soled shoes with no heels and with grooves not exceeding a maximum of 0.25". (This is to protect the grass.) An old pair of running shoes would be suitable for now. We supply the bowls for the instructional sessions and, if you decide to join you may use the club bowls FREE for the first year.
NB: If you are not sure you want to try it but would like to come out and see how it is played, we welcome all visitors. So why not join us for a cup of coffee!
Are you looking for a challenge?
Do you want to make new friends?
Do you need some exercise?
Would you just like to have fun?
BOWLS COULD BE JUST WHAT YOU'RE LOOKING FOR!
Bowls, or lawn bowling as it is called in Canada, is a sport that men and women of all ages can play together on an equal basis. Physical strength plays a very small part in this game. Skill and strategy are the real factors and everyone can develop these, one day at a time. You may choose to play both social and competitive bowls. We hold a number of tournaments in our club that suits both of these interests.
Your membership also entitles you to enter tournaments at other clubs around the province as well. The game is much like curling with two, three or four people on a team competing against another team.
PROGRAMS
The Oshawa Lawn Bowling Club is one of the largest in Ontario with over 190 members. Our season starts in May and runs until the beginning of October. The programs vary, with something for everyone: club games and jitneys for the social bowlers, and tournaments for those who enjoy the competitive aspect of the sport. We play every day, seven days a week, at various times of the day and evening.
SPECIAL PROGRAMS
We have a morning dedicated to our Visually Impaired bowlers. Club volunteers assist these bowlers so that they may enjoy our sport as we do.
In addition, we also host the clients of the Oshawa Senior Citizens Day Program one morning a week wherein, once again, club volunteers guide the seniors in participating in lawn bowling for their enjoyment and the opportunity to engage in a sporting activity.
SOCIAL BOWLING
The nice part is you are not obligated to come every day. We do a random draw according to how many people show up. There are no set teams for social bowls. When playing social bowls, the teams are always mixed.
Periodically throughout the summer, we have a special event on a Friday evening to add to the fun. Go to Activities & Events on the menu, then Special Events from the drop-down menu for further details.
TOURNAMENTS
On our schedule of tournaments, there are two for club members only, twelve where outside clubs are invited to join us, a junior tournament, and one for novice bowlers.
SPONSORS
We are lucky to have generous community sponsors as well as club member sponsors for each of our tournaments. We invite you to check them out by clicking on Our Sponsors. We are very grateful for their continued support.
YOUTH BOWLERS
In addition to our growing Youth Program, in the spring and fall, another enthusiastic group of young people from two local high schools comes out to play, coached by our members, with lots of laughter and friendly competition. The Boys and Girls Club of Durham also use our greens as part of their summer program.
OPEN HOUSE
If you would like to try bowls or find out more about how the game is played, we invite you to come to our Open House in May, after Victoria Day, Tuesday to Friday, from 2 PM to 4 PM and from 7 PM to 9 PM. Our friendly coaches will teach you how to play the game and explain the strategy and rules for FREE! We guarantee you will have fun while adding this healthy activity to your life. Bring a friend or come alone. Everyone is welcome! All you need are flat soled shoes with no heels and with grooves not exceeding a maximum of 0.25". (This is to protect the grass.) An old pair of running shoes would be suitable for now. We supply the bowls for the instructional sessions and, if you decide to join you may use the club bowls FREE for the first year.
NB: If you are not sure you want to try it but would like to come out and see how it is played, we welcome all visitors. So why not join us for a cup of coffee!