The chance to compete at the upcoming Commonwealth Games is a key factor behind a recent spike in the numbers playing lawn bowls in Niue.
The President of the Niue Olympic Association, Desmond Hipa, was involved in setting up the Niue Lawn Bowls Club back in December.
Up to 50 locals are now taking to the greens on a regular basis and Desmond Hipa says a number of those are keen for higher honours in Glasgow in July.
Definitely, they're passionate to represent Niue so a lot of interest build up. We're looking at attracting more younger players to come and take part. As we all know I think the perception is it is an older peoples games but we look at internationals now [and] a lot of younger players are representing their countries so we're targeting the younger players as well.
Desmond Hipa says the recent uptake means all but one of their lawn bowls team for the Commonwealth Games will be based on the island, whereas previously the majority lived in New Zealand.
