Croquet medalists back from left; Victoria Kinross (Northcote), Levy Howard (Pine Lodge), Judith Wembridge (Nicholson), and Paul Gallagher and Paul Watts (Warragul). Front; Blair Weller (Richmond), Dylan O’Brien (Jan Juc), Benjamin O’Brien (Tyers), and Angela Foey and Elise Van Ooi (Shepparton).
THE 2012 Victorian Teachers Games has been held in Ballarat this week, with about 2300 teachers from around the state gathering in the city for intense physical and social activity.
More than 700 teachers competed in lawn bowls, making the sport one of the more popular events.
Bowls co-ordinator and Ballarat District Bowls Division secretary Rod Lindsay said there were varying levels of ability, with some experienced players and some enjoying the social and interactive atmosphere of the days.
“We had competitors from all over Victoria, including Gippsland, Wangaratta, Mildura and Warrnambool,” Mr Lindsay said.
The bowls events were divided into singles and pairs, which competed for pennants, and novice fours, where less experienced bowlers enjoyed the sport. Eight venues in Ballarat were used over the two days to accommodate the high numbers.
“Gold, silver and bronze medals were awarded to each section for each of the different venues,” he said.
“There was a wide range of ability and competition. Some people had a lot of experience and some didn’t, but with their sporting talent were still able to make some impressive bowls.
“Tuesday had lovely weather for the competitors, but we cut some of the games short on Monday because of poor weather for the players’ comfort.”
The day also allowed for the teachers to channel their creativity.
“There were some terrific names for teams, for example we had the Muppets, the Champagne Showers and the Sacred Heart Holy Rollers,” Mr Lindsay said.
“The Buccaneers won best dressed – they all came dressed as pirates with swords and hats.”
Croquet also saw costumes and uniforms feature, with chicken outfits worn by one of the teams.
More than 30 sports were on the agenda including popular sports tennis, indoor soccer, running and golf, and off beat sports such as croquet, laser tag, orienteering and three shooting categories.
Ballarat will host the 2013 Victorian Teachers Games as well.
nicole.cairns@thecourier.com.au