24/09/2010

Postman 'Bowled Over' By Indian Games

A postman is hoping to be travelling a bit further than his usual Co Londonderry this month as Coleraine Delivery Office Deputy Manager, Gary McCloy, dons his whites to partake in his favourite pastime - Lawn Bowls - in India.

Gary has a place in the NI team and is heading off for the second time to the exotic country - this time to compete against 71 other nations in the 19th Commonwealth Games next week - if a crucial meeting tonight gives the team the 'green light' for travel.

He actually went to India earlier this year to compete in a pre-tournament event and was very impressed with the bowling facilities.

Gary, who has played the sport since he was 15 years old, will be competing in the Bowls Pairs event with his partner Ian McClure.

He has represented his country in both indoor and outdoor competitions at all levels. However, it was on the international scene that Gary made an impression and from that was selected to represent Northern Ireland.

"I have represented Northern Ireland on the international scene for many years; however, the Commonwealth Games are just that extra bit special.

"I competed in the Kuala Lumpur Games in 1998 and at Manchester in 2002 so I know what to expect," he said,

He is 'bowled over' by the sporting opportunity: "I am really looking forward to heading out to India with the aim of bringing back a medal for Northern Ireland," he continued, also noting that Royal Mail "has been very accommodating with my many requests for time off to compete".

The opening ceremony takes place on 3 October with Lawn Bowls being played at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Delhi from 4th through to 13th October.

See: Commonwealth Games Decision Due

(BMcC/KMcA)

Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.

19 January 2016
Dame Mary Peters Appointed Patron Of NI Commonwealth Games Council
Dame Mary Peters has been appointed Patron of the Northern Ireland Commonwealth Games Council. The Northern Irish woman represented Northern Ireland at every Commonwealth Games between 1958 and 1974, winning two Pentathlon gold medals, and a gold and silver medal in the shot put.
25 August 2021
NI Athletes Compete At 2020 Paralympic Games In Tokyo
Minister's have wished all NI athletes competing at the 2020 Paralympic Games all the very best in Tokyo. First Minister Paul Givan said: "As the Paralympic Games get under way, it is great to see our hugely talented Paralympians competing on the biggest stage. To be selected for the Paralympic Games is an incredible achievement.
24 July 2014
Robinson Attends Commonwealth Opening Ceremony
First Minister Peter Robinson has attended the opening ceremony of the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games. Mr Robinson attended as Northern Ireland revealed it sent 117 athletes to this year's competition, its largest team in the history of the Games.
30 July 2021
Belfast Boxer Secures Olympic Medal
Belfast boxer Aidan Walsh is now guaranteed an Olympic medal after a quarterfinal win against Merven Clair of Mauritius. The team Ireland fighter came out on top with a 4-1 split decision at the Tokyo Olympics in the welterweight division, meaning he has secured himself at least a bronze medal.
14 August 2014
County Down £300k Lotto Ticket Unclaimed
A lottery ticket worth more than £300,000 that was bought in County Down remains unclaimed, the National Lottery has said. The winning ticket matched all six numbers in the Lotto draw held on 30 July. The numbers were 2, 5, 11, 22, 24 and 42. The winner has until 26 January 2015 to claim the prize, which totals £304,603.