The Christchurch couple have a jam-packed schedule this week, competing in four different sports at the Masters Games.
After taking part in petanque earlier, the Ellises are busy competing in indoor bowls, cornhole and the sports accuracy challenge to round out the week.
They took up indoor bowls nearly six years ago, playing for both Garden City and St Paul’s in Canterbury, and have joined forced for the singles, pairs and triples at the Masters Games.
Playing at the Masters Games in 2024 left a lasting impression on the couple and led them to return this year, adding a few more sports to their repertoire.
‘‘We had a lot of fun last time, didn’t we?’’ Chris said, looking at her husband.
‘‘Unbelievable atmosphere. You can feel it in here too,’’ Norm said at the packed Otago Indoor Bowls centre.
That atmosphere lasted on and off the green — or their chosen sporting field — meeting people from all over the world.
‘‘Even though it’s a competition and people want to win, you’ve got to keep the social side of it up as well.
‘‘You know, you win, you lose.’’
They started playing petanque after spotting someone back home playing the sport on Boxing Day.
After having a quick look around, they ended up joining later on and never looked back.
They played cornhole at the Masters Games in 2024 and had become hooked on the recreational activity since — Norm even made them a board to play on at home.
‘‘It’s a lot of fun,’’ he said.
‘‘Two years ago, we did not know what it was so we looked it up on YouTube and we made the board.’’
Sports accuracy — combining bowls, darts, putting and pool — was a new adventure for the pair, who wanted to make the most of their trip.
‘‘We wanted to do a bit more than just bowling,’’ he said.
‘‘We can’t do the swimming or the cross-country, so you take the ones we’re capable of.’’
They relished every moment at the Masters Games and had a message to anyone considering getting involved.
‘‘Just enjoy it. If you haven’t been to the Masters, come and have a go — it’s well done.’’
