The South Island Indoor Bowls Championships are being held in South Otago for the first time this weekend.
South Otago Indoor Bowls secretary Shona Preddy said this was the first time the area had a big enough venue, the Cross Recreation Centre in Balclutha, to host the event.
The location of the championships changed every year.
Mrs Preddy said because of the size of the Cross Recreation Centre,
about 48 games could be played at any one time.
The championships coincide with the 60th jubilee of the club.
"It's a good way to celebrate it.''
The club applied to the National Indoor Bowls Association to host the tournament.
Mrs Preddy said there were 115 pairs, 65 triples and 55 teams of four competing in the three-day event.
"It will be quite spectacular.''
Not everyone who entered had to be the best bowler but it gave everyone the opportunity to compete against some very good competitors.
"It's quite an honour to get there,'' she said.
It was also a chance to renew friendships with others from all over the South Island.
She was excited for the tournament.
Mrs Preddy, her husband Mark and two of their children, Stephen and Alanna, are all competing in the championships.
"We've done everything we can to make the weekend a success.''
Most entrants were from Christchurch or southward, Mrs Preddy said.
The national championships will be held at Tauranga later in the year.
