Zayah Morgan, 13, of Russell Island will roll with the Australian Commonwealth Games lawn bowls team at a special meet and greet to be held at Windsor on March 28.
This honour was given after Zayah was chosen for Queensland in the Under 18 girls team to play three test matches against NSW on July 8-10. In 2016 and at age 11, Zayah won the Queensland State under 15 girls singles championship.
Zayah said her interest in bowls started after her family was given a mismatched set of bowls. The gift was among various donations given to her family after her Russell Island home was destroyed by fire in June 2015.
“We had nothing left and we were given these bowls in a case. Zayah seems to be a bit of a natural because she walked away with a Queensland title at such a young age,” Zayah’s mother Debbie said.
Zayah went to the Russell Island Bowls Club for lessons and relocated to Capalaba Bowls club when the island club was closed for maintenance. Her grandfather Denis Morgan bowls and works at the club and her cousin Kalib, 18 plays for the men’s team.
“It’s turned out to be a bit of a family affair. It’s an honour to have a roll with the Commonwealth team. They have recognised her skills and sportsmanship,” Ms Morgan said.
Ms Morgan describes her daughter as a shy girl, saying that playing bowls had proven to be good for her.
“It has given her a respect for her elders and they are happy to see her progress in a few short years. A whole new world has opened up for her and she’s also had the chance to get to know people outside of the area.”
Zayah is a member of the Capalaba ladies bowls club, playing every second weekend. She also plays at Manly in order to get used to a synthetic green.
