Record entries for 2017 Steller Vic Open

by Team BV

The 2017 Steller Vic Open will be the biggest ever, with record entries and competitors for the fourth successive year.
 

The tournament has received 1,681 entries across men’s and women’s singles, pairs, triples and mixed pairs, and a total of 2,949 competitors. 

Entries have increased by 79% in the past three years, making the Steller Vic Open one of Australia’s fastest growing sports events. 

It’s a huge boost for all involved with Bowls Victoria’s marquee annual event from November 18 to 24, including Greater Shepparton City Council, the Shepparton region which will benefit from bowls tourism to the area, and brand new naming rights sponsor Steller – a leading property development company. 

Bowls Victoria President Barbara Gilbert, who is the heart and soul of the Steller Vic Open as its long-running tournament director, says she’s excited with the record numbers. 

“So many of the names we’re seeing in the draw are going to be first-time visitors, which means the event must be doing something right. 

“There are also plenty of bowlers returning this year after enjoying playing last year. And what’s great is so many of those entering are rank-and-file bowlers, who get an opportunity they don’t usually get to play in the biggest State event of its kind anywhere in Australia.” 
 

Among those confirmed in the 2017 field are last year’s men’s and women’s singles champions Matthew Flapper (Ocean Grove) and Canadian international Kelly McKerihen, and last year’s Vic Medallist Anne Miles, who won the award for the tournament’s best performed bowler across all disciplines. 

There will be representatives from all Australian States and Territories except South Australia, as well as a group of 11 bowlers from the Otago province of New Zealand. 
 
The final two days of the 2017 Steller Vic Open – Thursday, November 23 and Friday, November 24 – will be live streamed via the Bowls Victoria website.

The sectional draws for all disciplines at the 2017 Steller Vic Open have been completed. 

You can find them here 

How we’ve grown – Previous Vic Open entry numbers: 

2014: 940 

2015: 1,248 

2016: 1,487 

2017: 1,681