'Our mission has been to work closely with the government to promote the sport at a grass-roots level, says Claudius Lam, vice-president of the HKLBA.
'Lawn bowls is an activity that is suitable for people aged eight to 80 years old,' he adds. 'It is suitable for younger people because it does not require physical strength or expensive equipment. It is probably the safest sport in the world. The game appeals to parents also, as it teaches their children to be patient and to [have] good manners while they are playing.'
During training courses provided by the HKLBA, children are taught more than just how to play the game. They are also taught to behave appropriately while they play, to respect other players and to co-operate with their teammates.
As each game takes three hours to complete, children are required to concentrate and develop self-control in order to perform each shot calmly.
'A lot of kids are hyperactive,' Lam says. 'Lawn bowls is a good way to train their attention and concentration. Parents can also play along with their children and it can be competitive.'
Courses are run once or twice a week for groups of eight students. There are eight, two-hour classes in each course, catering for beginner, intermediate and advanced levels. The beginners' course introduces the general aims and rules of the game. Students learn how to develop a smooth delivery action when bowling and perform the draw shot (making the bowl curve in either direction).