All packed up and ready to go, Victoria, BC’s own Carah Webster is heading off to her first International Competition on the Gold Coast of Australia. Webster is the current Under 25 Canadian Champion and will be representing Canada at the 2018 World Youth Championships being held at the Broadbeach Bowls Club in Queensland Australia. The event will be played from February 24th – March 2nd and it will be her first experience wearing the Maple Leaf on her back.
Webster will not be alone at the event, as three other Canadians will make the trip overseas with her. Bowls BC member and current World Youth Champion, Pricilla Westlake will be there to defend her crown and try to hold on to her title. Robbie Law from Manitoba will also make the trip, along with current Canadian Under 25 Champion Cameron Lafrense from Nova Scotia, as he will be making his second appearance at the tournament.
Learning More About Webster…
Name: Carah Webster
Age: 20
Home club: Lake Hill Lawn Bowling Club
Type of Bowls: Henselite Tiger size 2 Heavy
Coach: Craig Wilson
When speaking with Carah earlier this week, I had the opportunity to as her a few questions regarding her upcoming trip. “This is your first time representing Canada on the international scale, what would you say you are looking forward to most”? “There are so many things I am looking forward to, from meeting new people to being able to compete against top competitors. I’m most looking forward to being able to compete in a place where lawn bowling is such a huge sport. I’ve heard so many great things about how amazing the greens are there, so I’m really looking forward to being able to experience it myself”.
One of the hard parts has been trying to find the ability to train as this is an outdoor tournament that she is going to be playing in. Since it has been winter in Canada, I asked Carah, were you able to find ways to train for the competition. “I have been playing short mat at my club, Lake Hill LBC. I also went up to the indoor bowling green in Qualicum to get some practice on fast, full length greens. I have also been physically preparing, doing my best to stay in shape with my dance and martial arts training”. she responded.
Having a bit of time to reflect after her Championships and heading out for your first event you start to think about how you got to that point. I asked her, you have worked hard to get to this point and I am sure there are many people that helped you get to where you are, any in particular that influenced you? “I owe everything I have accomplished to my coach, Craig Wilson. From day one of me trying out the sport, he took me under his wing and taught me everything I know about lawn bowling. I can’t say enough about how amazing and supportive Craig is and what a difference he has made in my life”.
When asked what are the next steps and bowls aspirations were, she quickly replied. “I want to take my bowls career as far as possible, such as moving up from the Development Squad to being on the Canadian National Team, and playing for Canada at the Commonwealth games in 2022”. There is nothing but a bright future for Carah Webster as her young career is just starting.
Bowls BC would like to wish all the competitors best of luck, as we know that you will do us all proud, both on and off the greens. You can follow all the action throughout the competition here: 2018 World Youth Championships
Also you can find updates and information throughout the tournament on the Official Bowls BC Facebook Page
About Bowls BC
Bowls BC, is the governing body responsible for lawn bowls in British Columbia. In partnership with Lawn Bowling Clubs across the Province, Bowls BC will facilitate the growth and development of an exceptional sporting community experience that is appealing, healthy and accessible to all – visit www.bowlsbc.com