[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 106 (Friday, July 31, 1998)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1491-E1492]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




     1998 UNITED STATES SINGLES AND PAIRS LAWN BOWLS CHAMPIONSHIPS

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. JIM McDERMOTT

                             of washington

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, July 30, 1998

  Mr. McDERMOTT. Mr. Speaker, I rise to bring your attention to the 
1998 United States Singles and Pairs Lawn Bowls Championship, sponsored 
by The American Lawn Bowling Association and The American Women's Lawn 
Bowls Association (ALBA/AWLBA), which will be held in Seattle, 
Washington, August 17-August 21, 1998.
  The sport of lawn bowls, also known as bowling on the green, has been 
played throughout Europe in various forms since it was introduced by 
soldiers of the Roman empire. Similar to the games of bocce ball and 
curling, it was one of the first sports introduced to the New World. 
Records show that Williamsburg, Virginia had a bowling green as early 
as 1632, and that another green was built in 1670 at what is now 
Bowling Green, Virginia. The American Lawn Bowls Association, one of 
the oldest national sports federations in our country, was founded in 
1915, and since 1918 has consistently sponsored a national 
championship. During the 1930's, the Works Progress Administration 
built greens at a number of public parks across the country, and the 
sport experienced a small boom. It declined after World War II, but 
began to rebound in the mid-1970's, and has gained considerable 
popularity in California and in areas of Florida, particularly around 
St. Petersburg.
  Although lawn bowls has been thought of as a pastime primarily 
enjoyed by senior citizens, the game is beginning to attract more young 
players as a competitive sport and leisure activity. Over eight 
thousand people, some over 70 years old, are affiliated with ALBA/
AWLBA, and compete in numerous lawn bowl clubs in every region of the 
country. ALBA/AWLBA is committed to promoting the benefits associated 
with the sport in hopes of expanding participation in lawn bowling. 
Studies have shown that for a variety of reasons, Americans young and 
old, are becoming more sedentary. Many health problems can be avoided 
by the inclusion of a regular regimen of exercise. The inclusion of a 
physical activity such as the game of lawn bowls, is essential for the 
maintenance of good health and mental spirits.
  In my district, the 7th Congressional District of Washington, the 
Jefferson Park Lawn Bowls

[[Page E1492]]

Club is a leader in the national effort to involve youth in lawn 
bowling. According to Susan Parker, 1998 U.S. Championship Committee 
Co-Chair, the Jefferson Park Lawn Bowls Club is working to introduce 
lawn bowling as a lifetime physical activity to Metropolitan King 
County young people through schools, the Seattle Parks Department, and 
such youth organizations as Big Sisters and Boy Scouts. Pacific 
Northwest clubs also are enlisting senior citizen and retiree 
organizations in this intergenerational effort to promote lawn bowling.
  I hope all my colleagues will join me in commending the efforts of 
ALBA/AWLBA to encourage a healthy lifestyle through sports such as lawn 
bowling. Mr. Speaker, I am confident all my colleagues join me in 
extending best wishes for a successful 1998 U.S. lawn bowling 
championship tournament in Seattle.

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