JASON Stokes is a name synonymous with lawn bowls in the Port Stephens region.
Since taking over the reins as Chief Executive Officer of Raymond Terrace Bowling Club, the tireless administrator has built the organisation into a sporting powerhouse.
With Stokes at the helm, the club was crowned the NSW Lawn Bowls Club of the Year in 2023 after collecting an impressive four State titles.
It is also the home base for international bowlers Natalie Van Eldik and world champion Lee Schraner.
Twenty five years ago, the astute Stokes was appointed Bowls Co-ordinator at Soldiers Point Bowling Club and went about building a great depth of talented players to compete at the highest level.
He also introduced a small number of bowlers with whom he had confidence in, who proved they could mix with the local brigade and become great team players.
The keen judge also brought a winning culture which soon became contagious as the results would soon show – a famous State No 1 Men’s Pennants title in 2005 plus six consecutive Newcastle No 1 Pennant championships.
There was a special camaraderie among the group and with three strong skips in Jason, Neville Downes and the “Ice Man” Simon Lack the team was destined for success.
To mark 20 years almost to the day of that history-making State No 1 Pennants championship triumph, the Soldiers Point bowls legends have organised a reunion this Saturday 2 August.
Jason Stokes may now control one of the biggest and most successful lawn bowling organisations in the country but he will forever be linked with the Soldiers Point Club’s golden era.
By Chris KARAS
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