The last dance is upon us.
After a two-year hiatus the Victorian Open will return to Shepparton for one last hurrah, with entries now officially open for 2022.
Set to be held from Friday, November 18 to Friday, November 25, around 2000 bowlers are expected to descend on the city from across the state and country for the final time.
Founded in 2011 at the Shepparton Park Bowls Club, the event has been held at the venue exclusively since; however, Bowls Victoria’s marquee tournament will move to the Gippsland region next year.
This makes the 2022 event all the more significant, and City of Greater Shepparton Mayor Shane Sali said it would be a big boost for the economy.
“We are proud to be hosting the Victorian Open for Bowls Victoria, once again showcasing the many excellent facilities we have in the region, which have hosted state, national and international events,” Sali said.
“These high-quality sporting facilities are perfectly suited to host events for the 2026 Commonwealth Games.
“It will be terrific welcoming the thousands of competitors and visitors to the event and showing them our vibrant city.”
Bowls Victoria general manager of commercial operations Andrew Haug said after two COVID-19-impacted years the organisation was excited to get back to Shepparton for the 10th edition of the open.
“Not having run the event since 2019, we are excited about the level of interest the event is already generating, together with the large number of bowlers again expected to attend the event,” Haug said.
While this year’s event will be bittersweet for many, bowlers are encouraged to sign up early to avoid disappointment.
More information on how to enter the tournament can be found at https://www.bowlsvic.org.au/