Mt. Everest Lawn Bowls Association
Ref: PI/HQ/CH/003
The Mt. Everest Lawn Bowls Association (MELBA) is a founding member of the PERAMA International federation. The Association maintains what it describes as the world's highest competitive bowling green at approximately 5,200 metres above sea level, near Everest Base Camp in the Nepal Himalaya.
Formation
MELBA was established in 1987 by a small group of Nepali mountain guides and one English bowler who had arrived at Base Camp with a full competition set and no climbing equipment. His intentions were never clarified.
The original green was laid on a plateau identified during a supply trek. The surface was described as "flat enough." It slopes noticeably to the east. This has never been corrected.
The Donkeys
The green sits above the last accessible trail point. It cannot be reached by vehicle, helicopter, or any conventional means. It can be reached by donkey.
In 1993, following repeated failures to transport equipment on schedule, the Association was introduced to Manolis Donkey Taxi Service, a small operation based in the Epirus region of Greece. Its founder, Manolis, had spent the previous decade running pack animals through the mountain villages of the Pindus range. He has described the Himalayan contract as "a natural extension of existing services."
The Federation has acknowledged the geographical coincidence with its Epirus headquarters but has confirmed that no formal introduction was made on its part. Manolis has stated that he heard about the opportunity through a contact in Kathmandu. The committee has not verified this.
Manolis supplied four animals described in the original invoice as "altitude-ready." The committee has since noted that this was a generous description of the animals' qualifications upon arrival.
Despite early difficulties, which included one animal's refusal to proceed beyond Namche Bazaar for an entire season, the donkeys adapted. They now transport all Association equipment, competition refreshments, and on occasion, the treasurer. Without them, the season does not happen.
In 1998, following what the committee described as "a unanimous vote, with one abstention from a member who had not yet reached the meeting point," the donkeys were formally recognised as the Association's official sponsor. The committee has confirmed that the donkeys are not aware of this arrangement.
The Federation reviewed the sponsorship and raised no objection, though it noted the donkeys do not meet standard criteria for a corporate sponsor. The committee responded that the donkeys do not submit invoices, which it considers an advantage.
Manolis Donkey Taxi Service continues to operate from Epirus. Manolis has expressed interest in expanding to other federation clubs. No enquiries have been received.
Operations
The competitive season runs from April to October. Winter fixtures have been attempted twice. Both were abandoned. The green is re-laid each spring. By September the playing surface is, by the committee's own account, "mostly gravel with optimistic patches."
Visiting teams are rare.
Standing
The Mt. Everest Lawn Bowls Association holds full member status within PERAMA International. The Association's delegation typically arrives last, citing access conditions. The crest appears on all official MELBA merchandise issued through the PERAMA International Secretariat, including garments produced on GOTS certified organic cotton.
Compiled by the Office of the Federation Secretary PERAMA International
