Lorraine Kuhler is one of the bowlers aiming for selection for the Team England squad ahead of next year’s Commonwealth Games – and she says it would mean everything to her.
As Team England launched their #BringItHome campaign today, we spoke to Lorraine about the opportunity of representing her Country at a home Commonwealth Games.
“This is a once in a lifetime opportunity to compete at a home Games, so of course I would love to be involved!”
Kuhler, who plays for Oxford City & County, is no stranger to the greens that will host the Games next year in Leamington. This, she says, adds an extra incentive. “It would be my first games, so the support from the crowd, at the Home of Bowls in Leamington, as well as being in front of friends an family… its the stuff of dreams really.”
She’s not getting ahead of herself, however. Selection is still ongoing, and the squad needs to be whittled down over the coming months.
“Our selection process is tough and there’s just an incredible level of talent in the group, but I am desperate to be selected. The prospect of representing my country, in front of home support, is such a motivation for me.”
She also hopes that the showpiece in 2022 can be a springboard for the sport and its future. Bowls England recently published a new strategy for 2021-2026, and the Games are an integral part of that.
“I also hope the Games helps raise the profile of the sport and show people how fantastic it is!”
A number of athletes have come together to support Team England’s ‘Bring It Home’ campaign. The new campaign celebrates what competing on home soil means to the athletes, as well shines a light on the people and communities who they’re aiming to bring success ‘home’ for.
Next year will see the most diverse Team England ever with hundreds of athletes from every corner of the country competing to follow in the footsteps of the likes of Jonathan Edwards and Kelly Holmes and capitalize on the once in a lifetime opportunity to bring home success in their own country.
Chief Executive of Commonwealth Games England, Paul Blanchard, said on the launch of Bring It Home: “Nothing will feel more special to those selected to represent Team England than competing in front of a home crowd. It’s important to connect our diverse set of athletes with the fans ahead of what’s going to be an incredible Games next year in Birmingham”.
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