Bundaberg woman Connie Rixon will be bowling her way to Birmingham after being selected to compete in the 2022 Commonwealth Games.
The local lawn bowls star will be part of Team Malta and also includes her mum and sister as they take on the best in the world next month.
It’s already been a whirlwind sporting career for the 25-year-old, who said the 2022 games was the second she had been selected for over the years.
“I felt incredibly honoured, proud and excited all at once,” Connie said.
“This will be my second appearance at a Commonwealth Games with my first having been at the 2018 Gold Coast Commonwealth Games where our ladies fours team secured a bronze medal.
“There’s truly no better feeling than being told you will be representing your country, and to make it all the more special, both my mum and sister were selected as part of the team as well.”
Connie said having her family share in the experience was something special and the lawn bowls journey had been one that they had all taken part in together from the beginning.
“It all started with my mum wanting coaching lessons so that she would be able to win against my Dad at our next family Christmas barefoot bowls competition,” she said.
“From the moment we arrived at the bowls club for Mum’s training session we were greeted by the club’s coaches and offered the opportunity to try the game ourselves.
“This eventually lead to weekly Saturday morning coaching and we haven’t stopped since.”
Connie is a member of Bargara Bowls Club where she trains on afternoons and weekends.
“We are also blessed with a number of friendly bowls clubs around the region like Burnett Bowls Club, Across The Waves and East Bundaberg Bowls Club where I often spend time training,” she said.
“The conditions we expect to play in Birmingham are very different to what we have in Australia and depending on the conditions, all of these clubs have helped aide my training.”
Connie to represent Team Malta at Commonwealth Games
At the 2022 Commonwealth Games Connie said she would proudly represent Team Malta in the ladies lawn bowls disciplines, Pairs and Fours, alongside her mum, sister and fellow bowler Irene Attard.
“Since 2017 I have been very privileged to don the Maltese Lawn Bowls Association uniform,” she said.
“I look forward to being able to step back into this role and represent our country at such a prestigious event.”
Connie said the Commonwealth Games selection reinforced her passion for lawn bowls.
“I love the people, the strategy and the fact that bowls is a great sport that can be enjoyed by the entire family!” she said.
“All generations are able to be involved no matter the age and throughout my bowls career, I have been able to experience many events alongside my family.
“I’ve also been able to meet people from travelling to various bowls competitions, with some now lifelong friends.
“It is a very social sport and one that I recommend everyone tries, no matter their age.”
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