Stawell AAA bowls day 2017
We couldn’t had a better day if we ordered it, the weather was ideal for outdoor sport.
The annual Stawell All Abilities Bowls event was once again conducted at the Stawell Bowling Club in September 2017.
This event is an initiative of the Access For All Abilities program (inclusive sport & recreation for all abilities) which is funded by Department of Health and Human Services under the Sport and Recreation umbrella.
Most that attended wore their favourite football colours and there was certainly a mixture of AFL teams represented.
Rhonda Allan of the Mallee Sports Assembly once again approached the Stawell Bowling Club to open their doors for people of all abilities. As usual they were more than receptive to support inclusive sport and 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,” Rhonda states.
“Each year their volunteer members are in full support to assist with the facilitation of the event.”
Rhonda once again liaised with club member Carmel Loats during the year to plan for the event, and all involved thank Carmel for her support.
Many local bowls clubs are now commencing 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.
Like previous years Rhonda had full support and assistance from other organisations. This year Nic Baird and Matt Jolly Davidson from the Wimmera Regional Sports Assembly-Horsham and work experience student Mitch Jorgensen of Dimboola, Tom McCarthy from Sports Central-Ballarat and John Emerson (Bowls Australia) all attended.
Scott Nicholas from Bowls Victoria could not attend but developed the Certificates of Participation for those who attended.
Tom McCarthy provided the decorations and posters to add to the theme of the day. Nic from Wimmera Regional Sports Assembly provided AFL grand final footage.
John from Bowls Australia set up the Jack Attack games for another activity in the sport of bowls. Everyone enjoyed a cuppa before going out on the greens.
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 kits provide 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 BBQ lunch prepared by the Stawell Bowling Club.
Forty-two participants, 12 staff/carers, six sports staff, a State Sporting Association and 13 Stawell Bowling Club volunteers were on deck for the day.
The Stawell Bowling Club assisted with coaching, cooking and serving the food – a job well done and much appreciated by all. They also provided all the bowling equipment required for participation.
People travelled from all directions (including people from the Buloke Shire) and there were clients and staff from the following:
McCallum Disability Services-St Arnaud
Warracknabeal
Ararat Day Services –Ararat (Manna Gums, Wood N Crete products)
Pinnacle, Life Skills Program-Powerhouse-Stawell (2 groups)
Pinnacle-Gordon Street
Ararat Greenfingers Nursery-Pinnacle
Stawell Mulleraterong Centre-Hamilton
We look forward to the next event for 2018.
