IT is fairly common for children to follow in a parent’s footsteps when it comes to competing at the Island Games.
But very seldom does the opposite occur.
However, that is exactly the case for débutante bowler Sally Black.
The Games holds a very special place in her heart, having been a loyal supporter of her three sons at several previous instalments in both swimming and volleyball.
Bowls is a rare sport in that it offers people the chance to compete at a high level deep into later life.
Black said: ‘I absolutely love the Island Games. I think it is a tremendous event and a fantastic one for the Island.
‘I love the enthusiasm of the athletes. It is a great honour to be selected for Jersey and the atmosphere around the Games is always so warm and friendly.
‘Bowls is such a great game whereby you can play from any age. We have people playing at 95 in our club and it’s healthy and helps get them out and about.’
Black has not just had the excitement of watching her boys compete at the Games, they excelled while they were there.
Swimmer Ian has a clutch of Island Games medals to his name and still holds a number of records, while Stuart has represented both Jersey and Guernsey in volleyball.
The 63-year-old said: ‘They all represented their island with honour and pride.
‘I take my hat off to any athletes that get to a Games.
‘There is a lot of hard work and dedication that goes into excelling at any sport.
‘I am a very proud parent for what my boys have achieved and now there is a lot of pride the other way ahead of my first experience representing my island at a Games.’
Despite the expected level of competition in the sport, Black’s ultimate goal is to return to Jersey with a medal.
‘There are Commonwealth Games bowlers expected to be there, so we are aware that it will be tough.
‘But overall I am so proud to even be there.
‘Normally the parents do something and the children take up the mantle.
‘Really, I am reliving my youth this year.’
Joining Black in Guernsey is St Saviour Bowls Club member Michael Rive, who will harbour medal ambitions.
He represented Jersey at the 2010 Commonwealth Games and won silver in the singles at the 2022 European Championships in Ayr.
Jersey Bowls team:
Cyril Renouf
Michael Rive
Luke Le Sueur
Jean Holmes
Ann Cross
Sally Black
