Maccabi GB Vice President Stuart Lustigman has set his sights on launching a lawn bowls tour to Israel.

The tour party includes 17 male and ten female bowlers together with non-playing spouse totalling 36 people.

The team, which leaves next month , will face five days of stiff competition in a week long programme with a two day match against Ra'anana and further contests against Ramat Gan, Haifa and Jerusalem Bowls Clubs.

"I have been overwhelmed by the amount of interest that I have received for this tour," said an excited and enthusiastic Lustigman.

"I hope that, like the Masters Football tours, it will be a forerunner for regular visits to Israel.

"A few of the players have had Maccabiah experience but the majority have not, so it is a great opportunity for them to be making this trip.

"The idea struck me when I particpated in the Maccabi Australian International Games in Sydney last December, where Israel had a large contingent".

The upcoming tour will include a visit to the Hebrew University in Jerusalem, the world renowned Bahai Gardens in Haifa, a guest speaker from the IDF and a meeting with StandByUs as well as sharing a 30th anniversary dinner with the Ra'anana Bowls Club".

The seventh Maccabi Masters Football Tour of Israel will take place at the end of October when the squad will take part in four games in six days. There are still two places available for any players over 45 years of age and anyone who is interested in representing the the team should contact MaccabiMastersFL@aol.com.