Sport
6 October, 2024
Annual all abilities lawn bowling event brings fun, inclusivity
It was a perfect day for the Annual All Abilities Lawn Bowling.
It was a perfect day for the Annual All Abilities Lawn Bowling event at the Stawell Bowling Club last month.
This event is an initiative of the Access For All Abilities program, which is funded by Sport & Recreation of Victoria.
Favourite AFL football colours was once again the theme for the event so there was a great mix of colour on and off the greens for the day.
Rhonda Allan of the Mallee Sports Assembly-Wycheproof once again liaised with the Stawell Bowling Club to "open" their doors for people of all abilities.
They are very receptive to support inclusive sport & recreation.
"The club is an ideal central regional location that is fully accessible and also has the right equipment to assist participants with limited mobility for the game of bowls" she said.
"Each year their volunteer members are in full support to assist with the facilitation of the event.
"Many of our local lawn bowling clubs have now commenced their season so it is an ideal time to conduct the program hoping it encourages the participants to join up with their local clubs, even if it is only on a social basis."
Other partners for the event were Matt Jolly from the Wimmera Regional Sports Assembly-Horsham and his work colleague Vedang, Caitlin Johnston from Sports Central-Ballarat and Peter Williams from Bowls Aust who were also on deck to assist on the day.
All participants are graded before the day and were placed in different skill level sections-there was a level to suit every ability.
The Jack Attack kit provided a modified game to encourage increased participation.
This equipment assists the new-comers and participants with limited ability with their game.
This was very popular which gave their game another angle of approach.
There was also a tube device set up which also allowed people with limited movement to join in on the game.
There was plenty of action on all greens during the day.
Following play, everyone enjoyed a barbecue lunch and fresh fruit prepared by the Stawell Bowling Club.
There were 56 participants of all abilities, 24 staff/carers, four sports staffone State Sporting Association and about 20 Stawell Bowling Club volunteers attended making the total of 105 in attendance.
Well done to all the supportive staff and carers that came along to assist and encourage the participants and help make it such a successful event. The Stawell Bowling Club assisted with coaching, cooking and serving the food-a job well done and much appreciated by all. They also provided bowling equipment required for participation.
At the close of the vent, Rhonda presented club member Rita Pyke of the Stawell Bowling Club a certificate of appreciation for their continued support to inclusive sport and recreation.
All participants were given a certificate of participation, developed by Bowls Vic, and everyone went home very happy with the day.