Barry Wright
Dara Sinclair will represent Canada at the World Tenpin Bowling Association Senior Championships in Las Vegas in August.
The local bowler qualified with some 11th hour heroics at the Canadian Team Trials in Oshawa last month.
A total of 114 men and 50 women rolled 18 games over three challenging lanes during the Victoria Day long weekend to determine the top four qualifiers in youth, adult and senior divisions.
Climbing the leader board each day, Sinclair went from ninth place to sixth to fourth place over the course of the trials, snagging the fourth and final spot on the final game of the final day.
Former Sarnians Jill Friis and Fred Phillips, who now reside in London, also made the team.
Bowlers will compete in singles, doubles and team play.
Sinclair trained and practiced extensively leading up the team trials and will continue a rigorous schedule for the world competition.
Her preparation includes weight training, running, walking and bowling multiple times weekly.
“I'm going with the intent to do the very best that I can and doing everything I can to prepare for this,” said Sinclair, who joins husband Neil as local bowlers who represented Canada at global events.
“I don't want to let the team down, I don't want to let myself down and I don't want to let the country down.”
Other local bowlers who have represented Canada on the world stage include Brad Geerts, Melissa Legault and Karyne Legault.
The 54-year-old Sinclair, who bowled as a youth, gave up the sport for a time before returning to the lanes 24 years ago.
She takes an average of 188 into the Vegas competition and has bowled two perfect games in the past four years.
Forty countries are participating in the championship. The United States and Sweden won the bulk of the medals at the inaugural event in 2013. Canada captured three medals.
Asked how she'll feel wearing Team Canada gear and competing for her country, Sinclair beamed.
“I don't think you'll be able to wipe the smile off my face,” she said.