BBA hosts inaugural Baylis memorial tournament

Calistus Kolantsho | Friday October 11, 2013 16:28

Gaborutwe said that a total of 40 players will take part in the two-day tournament. The BBA plans to make the tournament an annual event to be hosted by different clubs.

BBA spokesperson, John Gaborutwe told Mmegi Sport that the tournament will be played in mixed fours and a team must have at least one male or female.

The tournament is held in memory of the late bowling legend, John Baylis.

Gaborutwe told Mmegi Sport that Baylis passed away in 2010 after over 20 years of selfless service to bowls.

At the time of his death, he was an honorary life member of BBA. 'Baylis was the chairman of BBA from 1990 to 1993 and had also served as chairman of Francistown club for many years.

He was a key member of the Botswana national team that took part at the World Indoor Singles tournament, World Bowls Championships and Commonwealth Games in the 1990s until early 2000,' said Gaborutwe.

Baylis national honours includes winning a gold medal at the 2001 national men's pairs where he was playing with John Ashby in Francistown.

His wife, Shirley who has now quit competitive bowls holds number of bowls records.

No female players has bettered her seven titles in singles won between 1989-2004 and seven gold in rinks.

Overall, she amassed 14 gold and several silver in her active bowling career at the nationals.

Gaborutwe said that Baylis' family sponsored the Botswana national team on several occasions.