1.20PM: In a venue echoing with shouts and the bangs and crashes of balls slamming pins seventy players are competing in the Ten Pin Bowling tournament of the 2nd Asia Pacific Out Games. Competitors from Australia, New Zealand, Canada and the USA are competing in singles, doubles and teams categories. Over half of the competitors are Australian and word around the lanes has it that the Aussies will be the ones to beat in the glamour event, the teams competition. Tournament organiser Dion Leslie Tournament organiser Dion Leslie says the standard of play is high and the Aussies in particular are quite competitive against each other. "The Sydney, Melbourne and Perth players aren't giving each other an inch!" he laughs. Auckland player Leanne Weaver, who has already won a gold medal in the singles, says she is "passionate" about the game but also enjoys the chance to play with friends from around the world. "I'm with the Auckland Gay Bowling Organisation, the biggest bowling league in New Zealand", she says with great pride." We travel to as many tournaments around the world as we can so this time it's nice and easy to come down to Wellington and meet with, and compete with, our friends." Leanne Weaver (l) and Melanie Coyle Its a view shared by San Francisco player Melanie Coyle, who is one of hundreds of committed glbt bowlers in her home city. "We've come down to New Zealand to enjoy the camaraderie and because Kiwis are special people and it's such a beautiful country... in a way bowling is just an excuse to be here!" She too says she has friends all around the world bthrough Ten Pin Bowling, and she has competed at all of the Gay Games so far, although this is her first Out Games. GayNZ.com Daily News staff - 15th March 2011
Credit: GayNZ.com Daily News staff
First published: Tuesday, 15th March 2011 - 1:26pm