BIAS: Taylor Kerry gets ready to bowl.
AS a sport for everyone, bowls might just about be best.
And that’s not biased.
For about 30 people of varying degrees of ability and disability – from Ballarat Specialist School; the SAILS Program (Social, Activities, Interest, Leisure, Support); McCallum Disability Support Services; and St Laurence Community Services – that definitely proved to be the case yesterday.
They participated in the Access for All Abilities (AAA) “Bowls without Bias” program, which has been held at City Oval Bowling Club as part of a six-week program.
Sports Central project co-ordinator Zandria Malone says that, judging from the response of those who take part, lawn bowls is a hit.
“Bowls is a sport that can be accessed by people with physical disabilities and intellectual disabilities,” Malone says.
“The people who have come along have loved it.
“We established the program with the help of the City Oval Bowling Club to encourage them to get involved.
“And eventually perhaps play in pennant or barefoot bowls.
“This year’s program ends next week but we’re hoping to do it again in January because they’ve enjoyed it so much.”
City Oval president Wayne Roberts says the benefits of hosting the AAA program flow both ways.
“We thought we could do something positive here,” Roberts says.
“We have about 20 volunteers each week, from coaches to those who cooked and served up lunch.
“They’ve loved it too.
“It’s a two-way street.”