Lawn bowls is the activity of choice for Darius and Peter Boyers when it comes to spending time together as a family. Photo: Supplied.
It’s not every day you get to share the sporting field with your dad, but lawn bowls is helping a father and son duo strengthen its bond.
Cooktown’s 14-year-old Darius Boyers is usually the youngest player on the greens. At first, he was nervous about playing with older adults. Now, after gaining plenty of confidence, he’s encouraging his generation to get involved.
“I was worried at first, but they encouraged me that bowls is for everyone and some of them taught me,” he said.
“I like competitions because it’s more experience. It’s really fun for older people and kids like me.”
Darius got involved two years ago when his dad, Peter, took him along to Cooktown Bowls Club to spend some quality time together.
“When you work from Monday to Friday, it’s difficult to find time for the family,” Peter said.
“It was a good chance for me to be with my kids in an activity.
“It’s about having fun with them while they’re growing up.”
Peter also has a younger son and grandson involved in the club’s coaching lessons. But Darius took to the sport more seriously, entering competitions locally and away from home alongside adult players.
“It’s a great opportunity for me to be able to be with my kids while I socialise as well,” Peter said. “And it gives them a lot more confidence in the adult-child relationship, which a lot of kids don’t get.
“He’s [Darius] one of the only young guys there, so I think it’s inspiring for a lot of the others as well because bowls is typically seen as an old people’s sport. But I recently watched the state championships and a young fella won that.
“It’s been really good to get Darius and the other little ones involved in the club, so they can develop themselves and create more confidence and engagement with people.”
After seeing how bowls strengthened their relationship in his son’s teenage years, Peter said it was the perfect weekend activity for families.
“I think people are missing out a lot on that family relationship in a sporting event,” he said.
“Darius also plays futsal, but I’d have a heart attack if I had to do that. There’s only a certain amount of people who can play football. But whether you’re old or young, anyone can bowl.
“It’s a great opportunity for families to realise they can spend a few hours on the weekend bonding with their children while building their confidence.”
Age is just a number for 14-year-old Darius Boyers, who is usually the youngest player on the Cooktown greens. Photo: Supplied.
