Bring friends to join the bowls revolution on Sept 17 and 24

While the Rio Olympics and Paralympics will have proved an inspiration to youngsters considering becoming athletes in a wide range of disciplines few, if any, sports can match bowls when it comes to still being competitive among players aged eight to 90 plus.For decades the game has battled against a stigma of being perceived as only taken up when you draw a pension. But a glance at those who represent England for example, will reveal a fair smattering of under 25s as well as those in their 40s. So much for bowls being only for the elderly.With this in mind, the Stamford Indoor Bowls Club in Exeter Gardens is keen to invite those interested in trying the sport to give it a go at the first of its Open Mornings tomorrow (Saturday, September 17 from 9.30am). There is another chance to following Saturday (Sept 24).Equipment is provided free of charge and coaches and experienced bowlers will be on hand to introduce the sport and encourage newcomers to join a club which is approaching a 600 membership, playing up to seven days a week in any one of up to six daily sessions.Says the club's president Bob Warters: "Bowls is the epitomy of a sport in which you can be competitive even in later life. Though I won a national title aged 67, some of us might draw the line at being described as athletes. But it's a sport where experience and hand-eye co-ordination are perhaps more important than stamina."The club's youngest player is eight year old Owen Aspinall (pictured above), a pupil St Gilbert's Primary School and its oldest member is 94-year-old Arthur Chapman, a former paratrooper. But whatever age, male or female compete on equal terms and are keen to share their experiences with newcomers to the sport within a social atmosphere. All potential bowlers are welcome, even with a disability. For more information about the Open days call 01780 756452. The club's six-rink arena is also open for newcomer business every Saturday morning throughout the season if potential bowlers are unable to make the designated open mornings. BW