The Greater Building Society has signed up as
major sponsor of the Newcastle District Bowling Association (NDBA) for
another three years.
Under the deal finalised this week local bowls will be supported until the end of 2008.
Newcastle District Bowling Association president Les Parrot has welcomed the continued funding.
Mr Parrot says that the Greater's sponsorship will help to promote
bowls locally as well as to run the district pennants competitions and
the annual Mattara Carnival.
Mr Parrott says the deal follows another successful year for the
NDBA. Last year its clubs won a record four of the seven NSW flags. Its
junior development squad has also grown significantly.
The Greater Building Society has been the major sponsor of the Newcastle District Bowling Association since January 1991.
The Mattara Carnival has been running for 45 years and is the
largest bowls carnival in NSW. Last year more than 1,000 male and
female bowlers competed in a variety of events held at 39 of the
district's clubs. The 46th carnival will be held in August of this year.
The NDBA comprises 57 clubs in the Newcastle, Port Stephens, and
Lake Macquarie areas. The clubs have a combined membership of more than
12,000 men and women. It also runs one of the world's largest district
penant competitions. A total of 330 teams will play in the Wednesday
and Saturday competitions, which will start in February and run through
to May.
Greater Building Society sponsorship and advertising manager Leslea
Milburn says the Greater likes to support causes or organisations that
play an important role in the community but that don't always receive
major attention.
"It is great to be involved in ensuring the local success of such an inclusive, community based, sport," Ms Milburn says.
Lawn bowls is one of the country's most played sports and is
increasingly popular with young people at both a social and competitive
level. Bowls Australia has more than 265,000 male and female members.
