Short mat bowling is a growing sport in South Georgian Bay, and Clearview Township is taking steps to ensure players are given more opportunities to learn, play, and now compete in the game.

When Clearview Township was selected to participate in the Active Communities Project through the Ontario Trillium Foundation, short mat bowling was one of the top priorities. The Active Communities Project is dedicated to reducing barriers to access recreational programming with an emphasis on senior engagement, and with short mat bowling being low impact, social, and accessible year round, the recreation department identified it as one of the best programs to implement with the Project funding.

Short mat bowling is essentially indoor lawn bowling, and it first appeared in the area 11 years ago at the Prime Time Club in Wasaga Beach thanks to the efforts of Bill Scott; a now 96-year-old player who is thrilled to see how the sport’s visibility and popularity has grown.

Clearview Township ran this tournament as a culmination of their 12-week short mat program, which encouraged both new and experienced players to enjoy the game at the Stayner Community Centre over the course of the winter. The tournament featured many players who had participated in that program, and it also attracted teams from as far away as Muskoka and Bracebridge.

For more information, visit https://www.discoverclearview.ca/recreation-leisure/recreation-programs