Journey to the World Bowls Championships: Dawn Hayman
Ahead of next week’s World Bowls Championships, the Right at Home Jackaroos share their journeys across the years that has seen them selected for the sport’s showpiece event on the Gold Coast.
Up next, Dawn Hayman.
How did you get started in bowls?
My parents got me to try it with some of their friends. After I had said no for so long, I eventually said yes and haven’t stopped playing ever since.
Which was the first bowls club you became involved with?
Fairy Meadow Bowls Club
Which clubs have you been involved with throughout your journey?
After being at Fairy Meadow for seven years and my junior days, I made the move to Sydney to join St John’s Park
Who is your current club and how have they shown you support throughout your career?
I’m currently at St John’s Park, the support they have shown me over the years has been amazing and I am so grateful. They always get behind me and send me messages when I’m playing or come along to watch. The board has been so good to me in backing me in everything I do as well.
Who has been the biggest influence on your bowls journey and why?
There has been a lot of people that have influenced my career, starting with my parents who drove me around and spent days on end at bowls clubs watching and cheering me on, if it wasn’t for them I would not be where I am today. My partner, brother and sister have also supported me in everything I do. All of the high performance staff for their continued encouragement. Also, the plethora of locals from the club I started at for their help to teach me the game from an early age
Is there a particular coach who has influenced your bowls journey the most?
I had a lot of people help influence and guide me in the early days at Fairy Meadow, with the club coach Phil and other club members being sensational. As I furthered my career I have had Steve Glasson, Karen Murphy and Gary Willis, who have all been amazing.
Why is the 2023 World Bowls Championships so important to you and the people who have helped you on your journey?
It’s so important to me because it’s my first major international event and for it be be in our own country is amazing because I will have so many supporters and family coming up to watch. It’s great to have so many countries involved and I just can’t wait to get started!!
