A week-long event promoting friendship through bowls kicked off at Encounter Bay Bowling Club on Monday 7 April.

The 16th State Friendship Carnival has come full circle and returned to the site of the inaugural event organised by the Bowls Past Presidents Association of South Australia Southern Branch.

More than a hundred keen bowlers are competing with 26 teams from the Fleurieu and right across the state, with teams from as far west as Ceduna and all the way through to Mount Gambier.

Games will be played at all four of the main south coast clubs starting with Encounter Bay Bowling Club on Monday, followed by Goolwa Bowling Club on Tuesday.

Today, Wednesday, 9 April, is a rest day and the matches will resume at Port Elliot Bowling Club tomorrow, with the final day of competition on Friday at Victor Harbor Bowling Club.

Substantial prize money is on offer for daily winners and overall winning teams.

Southern region carnival coordinator Bob Henry has welcomed bowlers and volunteers from all around the state and reminded them the carnival was all about meeting up with old friends and making new ones during the Friendship Carnival.

The carnival was officially opened on Monday morning by Don Crosby, State President of the Bowls Past Presidents Association of South Australia,  who said he was pleased to see representatives from all seven of the Southern Region clubs supporting the week-long carnival.

“It is wonderful to see the enthusiasm of club members to be part of this important event. I hope participants enjoy their time and feel a drive to invite other bowlers to join their clubs so we can continue to have strong numbers for these and other bowling events.”

Finniss MP David Basham has thanked those who travelled long distances to attend the bowling carnival and encouraged them to explore as much of the region as they could while visiting.

“I wish you all good weather for the week, not only to play bowls but to take advantage of our many cafes and restaurants, the wonderful scenery, our walking trails, the SteamRanger and the weekend markets.

“I know many of you are visiting with caravans and motorhomes and planning to spend some time discovering our region after the carnival is over. We welcome you and hope you enjoy your stay.”