Force lawn bowlers make history
Station Sergeant Andy Chan from Crime Wing and Sergeant Milo Lai from Mong Kok District have opened a new chapter in the 105-year history of the Hong Kong Police Lawn Bowls Club (HKPLBC) by winning two major competitions of the Hong Kong Lawn Bowls Association (HKLBA) for the first time.
On February 28 this year, Andy won the most prestigious competition in local lawn bowling - the Champion of Champions Tournament that saw a total of 28 champions from local clubs vying for the title in single events lasting two months. Andy's victory also earned him the honour of being the first HKPLBC member to win the tournament.
About three months before pulling off his victory, Andy teamed up with Milo and Detective Police Constables Paul Sze and Nelson To to form a four-member team for another major HKLBA competition - Men's National Fours. Eventually, the team captured the title for the first time, outperforming 80 teams from local clubs.
With their outstanding performances in this tournament, Andy and Milo have been selected as members of the Hong Kong Lawn Bowls Squad, another rare honour for the HKPLBC.
105 years of history
The HKPLBC was formed in 1905, and since then has made a grade in the local lawn bowling, capturing the title of the HKLBA League in 1997, 1999, 2001 and 2004. It now has about 120 active members.
Prompted by HKPLBC's success over the years, OffBeat has talked to Andy and Milo to find out what their club has been doing in promoting lawn bowling within the Force.
Both Andy, a Convenor in the HKPLBC, and Milo, a Programme Secretary, emphasised that their club has been doing its best to offer many training courses over the years at the Police Sports and Recreation Club (PSRC) and the Police Officers' Club. Coaching the trainees are HKPLBC members who have obtained qualifications recognised by the HKLBA.
Both Andy and Milo are eager to bring home to Force members the message that lawn bowling is suitable for "people of all ages, male and female". "It takes you one minute to learn the game but a life time to master it," they noted.
Lawn bowling key words
According to Andy, the four key words for lawn bowling are "control", "concentration", "consistency" and "confidence".
Elaborating on what lawn bowling can offer, Andy said: "it's a contest in courage, skill, strategy and self-confidence. It's also a test of patience and honour; and display of personality. During a match, players will show their prowess and gentleman manner."
The HKPLBC holds practice sessions at PSRC every Thursday evening for members to improve their skills and maintain their fitness. During the sessions, new members are provided with training in basic skills and information on the sport.
Those interested in joining the HKPLBC may contact Milo on 9093-1443.
Andy
in action at the Champion of Champions Tournament