Now in its eighth year, the bowls challenge is on Friday at the Port Macquarie City Bowling Club.

The annual event raises money for the mayor’s sporting fund, an initiative established in 1999 by mayor Wayne Richards to support young local athletes on their way to achieving their sporting goals.

The event will kick off with a free barbecue - and complimentary drink - for all registered players from 12.30pm.

All proceeds from the day will go directly to the mayor’s sporting fund and solely used to provide financial assistance to young local athletes who apply for assistance and meet the criteria to travel and compete at elite sporting events.

While entries for Friday’s event have now closed, members of the community and local businesses can provide ongoing support to the mayor’s sporting fund at anytime throughout the year.

This can be done by either making a financial contribution to the fund or through the donation of goods to be offered as raffle/novelty event prizes at either of the two fundraising events held throughout the year, the mayor’s sporting fund golf and bowls events.

Mayor Peter Besseling said the mayor’s sporting fund golf and bowls events were ideal ways for the community to show their support for our sporting champions of the future.

“The bowls challenge is a great way for community groups and local businesses to get together for a fun afternoon and to raise money for the region’s rising young sporting stars,” Cr Besseling said.

Prizes are up for grabs in a number of novelty events including the best dressed team, best looking toes, best fanciest feet and more.

The event is supported by council, 2MC/Star FM, Prime7, Port Macquarie News and Express and Port Central Shopping Centre.