Valerie Bechard

- 2024 -

Athlete - Slo-Pitch, Lawn Bowling

Valerie grew up in a large family of eighteen, where her early years taught her important values—hard work, dedication, and an unstoppable competitive spirit. These values would guide her path in future years.

Valerie was in in mid-thirties when she joined her first competitive sports team in 1980. She played on Sackville’s famous “Electric Orange” women’s Slo-Pitch team and her skills on the field earned her 13 MVP awards during her career. She proudly represented Nova Scotia at the Slo-Pitch Nationals in 1985.

In 1998, Valerie switched to lawn bowling and within a brief time, she was competing at the international level. Representing Nova Scotia, Valerie took part in the national Lawn Bowls championships an amazing twenty-two times, winning one gold, two silver, and one bronze medal. Her accuracy and focus made her a strong competitor on the greens.

As a member of the Canadian National Squad, she trained with fellow athletes in Arizona and played against Team USA in the North American Challenge. Her team also won the US Open Women’s Fours in 2016.

Valerie’s impact goes beyond her personal achievements. She has been a key player in promoting lawn bowling at various levels, serving on the executive of the Bedford Lawn Bowls Club and Lawn Bowls Nova Scotia. She obtained her umpire certification and has officiated at both provincial and national levels. Valerie has always been active and together with her late husband Cal, they’ve walked over 15,000 kilometers, hiking through every Canadian province, every state in the US, and several European countries. Their most impressive feat? Finishing the Coast to Coast Walk in 2007—a 300-kilometer journey through northern England. Valerie Bechard’s story is one of success, mentorship, and a love for life. Her legacy will forever inspire future generations of lawn bowlers, reminding them that the journey is as important as the destination.