Ryman Healthcare signs on to sponsor 2016 World Bowls Champs

Ryman Healthcare signs on to sponsor 2016 World Bowls Championship

New Zealand’s largest retirement village operator has teamed up with Bowls New Zealand to sponsor the world’s biggest lawn bowls event.

Ryman Healthcare has joined Bowls New Zealand’s team of supporters and will be a key sponsor when Christchurch hosts the world champs next year.

“We’re delighted to be working in partnership with New Zealand Bowls as the sport prepares for this big event. Many of our residents are keen bowlers and we’re doubly proud to be helping to host a world event in our hometown of Christchurch,’’ Ryman Healthcare managing director Simon Challies said.

“We’ve had a long association with the sport and we already sponsor bowls clubs and events around the country. We’re pleased to be able to expand our connection by offering substantial support for the sport at a national level.’’

As part of the sponsorship deal members of the Black Jacks will tour Ryman’s villages offering residents lessons and tips on how to improve their game.

“We think our residents will love the contact with our national representatives. I’m sure they will be happy to share their own bowling tips with the Black Jacks and have a practice roll up or two.’’

Bowls New Zealand chief executive officer Kerry Clark said the addition of Ryman Healthcare as a supporter was a tremendous boost to the sport in the lead-up to the 2016 World Championships.

“Ryman Healthcare is a brand that needs no introduction to the bowls community, and one that already promotes our sport internally at all of its villages. The fit could not be better,’’ Kerry Clark said.

“This is a relationship that we see great mutual benefits being gained over what we believe will be a long period of time."

The World Championships are held every four years. Christchurch’s Burnside, Fendalton and Papanui will host the event from November 29 to December 11 2016.

Christchurch Black Jack Tayla Bruce is delighted to see the world champs return to her hometown. Tayla was inspired to start bowling after watching the 2008 World Champs at the Burnside club as a 13-year-old.

“The world champs is where it all started for me. I was at the event at Burnside and it absolutely hooked me into bowls.’’

Tayla’s Burnside clubmate Bob Gamblin lives at Ryman Healthcare’s Diana Isaac Retirement Village in Christchurch and chose the villa closest to the village bowling green.

Bob remembers Tayla as a youngster, but now the boot is on the other foot as the 20-year-old Black Jack offers him pointers on his game.

“I remember Tayla from the first time she stepped foot in the club and it is great to see the success she’s had,’’ Bob says. “Of course I’m a bit biased, but I can’t think of anything better for Ryman to sponsor. It is also great for Christchurch, we’ve been through a lot in the past five years.’’

More than 200 competitors and another 200 coaches and official are expected from around the world for the event.

A warm-up event, the Asia Pacific Championships, will be held in late November 24-December 6 this year.

ENDS

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