National Disability Championship strikes SA
One of the world’s biggest disability sporting events in the nation is taking place right now in South Australia, with World Cup champs and CEOs excited to see who comes out on top.
Key points:
- From June 7 – 17, Zone Bowling Noarlunga in South Australia will become a battleground for one of the most attended Disability sports events in Australia
- 369 tenpin bowling participants in attendance are lighting up the alleys already, including 2022 Australia World Cup Para team gold medallists Kallan Strong and Amanda Threlfall
- Elite bowlers throughout the nation will compete in Singles, Doubles and Team events, with a three-game series for each attempt
The 34th National Disability Championship has already captivated Adelaide’s audience of tenpin bowling fans, as the best-of-the-best arrive in style to prove their prowess.
Professionals at the sport with decades of experience and talent have stepped off planes from each state and territory to compete in the event, which kicked off on Wednesday and will be commemorated at the opening ceremony on June 10.
The 2023 series is set to be a spectacular event of strikes, spares and celebrations:
June 7 – Championships start
June 10 – Opening Ceremony
June 13 – Managers Meeting – 4:30pm
June 13 – ADTi Annual General Meeting: Committee Vacancies, Motions – 5:00pm
June 14 – Cole Challenge Cup and Michael Cooke Memorial Shield
June 16 – Open, Classic, and Restricted Masters
June 16 – Celebration Dinner
June 17 – Carers Challenge, Presentations, and Closing Ceremony
Already, each lane is awash with keen eyes and smooth techniques, as the leaderboards highlight the standing of each competitor in their class and event. Some, such as NSW bowler Kallan Strong, just couldn’t keep away from the sport, even after taking home the Sportsperson of the Year with a disability title last year.
Tasmanian competitor Tom Brown, with roughly 30 years of bowling expertise, was highlighted by Tenpin Bowling Australia (TBA), as a league participant at Zone Bowling Moonah.
Speaking about his love for the sport, Mr Brown told TBA, “[I] love meeting people, travelling interstate and having fun.”
Inclusion, Diversity and Program Manager of TBA, Emily Rennes says that Tenpin Bowling Australia, in partnership with Australian Disabilities Tenpin, are excited to celebrate the annual event.
“In its 34th year, the host venue — Zone Tenpin Bowling [Noarlunga, SA] — is buzzing with activity. If you’re thinking about getting into bowling, visit your local centre to explore what they have on offer. Follow the event highlight [online] or [on social media] @tenpinbowlingaustralia,” says Ms Rennes.
TBA Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Rohan O’Neill says the number of people participating, attending and supporting the Championship players is an incredible turnout and speaks to the collective joy that tenpin bowling brings.
“I cannot think of a more inclusive sport than tenpin bowling and to have close to 400 participants with a disability at a national event reinforces this view,” says Mr O’Neill.
“I look forward to once again seeing the athletes in action and to connect with all the participants, carers and volunteers who make this event so special. It sure is a highlight on the tenpin bowling calendar and has been for 34 years.”