PARTICIPATION numbers have doubled since last year for the annual Regional All Abilities lawn bowling day held at the Stawell Bowling Club.
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Last month All Abilities bowls was conducted at the Stawell Bowling Club where people from all different areas could meet and have a game of bowls and wear their favourite football team colours.
Rhonda Allan of the Mallee Sports Assembly, Wycheproof once again approached the Stawell Bowling Club to open their doors for people of all abilities.
"I could not have chosen a more appropriate club as they have a very supportive club member base, full access, equipment for all abilities and a great venue to host such a day," Allan said.
"It is hoped that some of the more talented participants may chose to continue with their game at their local club."
Many lawn bowling clubs are now commencing their season, so it is an ideal time to look into becoming a member.
The day does not happen by itself and Allan had full support and assistance from Matt Berry, Alex Thomson and Daniel Rees all of the Wimmera Regional Sports Assembly-Horsham, Lachy Smith from Sports Central-Ballarat, Peter Nixon-Bowls Australia and Scott Nicholas from Bowls Victoria.
The day was ideal for outdoor participation and didn't have to worry too much with the sun block.
The boys from the Wimmera Regional Sports Assembly provided the decorations in various football colours and also brought along footage which was shown through-out the day of previous AFL finals.
Ninety four participants, 29 staff/carers, seven sports staff and 16 Stawell Bowling Club volunteers made up a total of nearly 150 people in attendance.
Cliff and Carmel Loats and their great band of helpers from the Stawell Bowling Club assisted with coaching, cooking and serving the food.
All participants were previously graded before the day and were placed in different skill level sections-there was a level to suit every ability.
Peter Nixon from Bowls Australia brought along skills equipment for the beginner bowlers to use.
This equipment assists the newcomers and participants with limited ability with their game.
Following play, all enjoyed a delicious barbecue lunch cooked by the club members before returning to the greens for the afternoon session.
During the lunch break everyone joined in a "Pass the Footy "competition which was played with AFL theme song music.
The many winners each received a prize donated by the Sports Central and Bowls Victoria.
Rhonda then presented the Stawell Bowling Club a certificate of appreciation for all their co-operation in ensuring the day to be a big success.
The club had the greens and surrounds in perfect condition and also erected a 'tube' to assist any person having difficulty in bowling a ball.
The participant could adjust the direction of the tube before placing the ball in it to roll down to get as near to the kitty as possible.
This program is an initiative of the "Access for All Abilities" program funded by Department of Planning and Community Development under the Sport & Recreation of Victoria section which focuses on inclusive sport and recreation for all levels of abilities.
Wimmera Regional Sports Assembly-Horsham, Sports Central-Ballarat and Bowls Australia/Victoria were also key partners in the organization and running of the day.
People travelled from all directions including Warracknabeal, Nhill, Hamilton, Ararat and Stawell.
Look out for the next event coming in 2015.