Armidale City a proud host to the intellectually-disabled
Over the past five years on Friday afternoons, Armidale City Bowling Club has been host to a group of intellectually-impaired adults.
The initiative has been driven by Nanette Jemmeson, a Club Coach who volunteers her time along with the assistance of Jenny Johnson, to not only introduce the group to bowls but improve their skills.
The group consists of five regular players who participate on most Fridays and over the past five years, Nanette has been slowing introducing different skills to the group as to not overwhelm them.
“The group has progressed during this time and are now able to adjust their aiming line, deliver the jack and the bowl comparable to many mainstream players,” Nanette said.
“The players’ competitive spirit and will to win has aided in their development but more importantly, the enjoyment they get from playing bowls has helped enormously.”
One of the players (Will Bremner) has further participated in mixed twilight bowls and has additionally participated in a club social bowls day.
“We had visitors from other clubs who were amazed at Will’s ability,” Nanette added.
The group has an understanding of the basic rules of the sport and have been asking for more competition, something that has been explored by Nanette and Kirsty Brunsdon through Special Olympics NSW.
Unfortunately, they are not considering Lawn Bowls as part of their events schedule.
“Kirsty and I have had discussions with our RBM who has been extremely helpful in suggesting some ideas for additional competition such as running a club singles for the group as a starting point,” Nanette said.
Nanette and Kirsty have also held a couple of come and try days, the first of which attracted over 30 participants.
Nanette stated that while neither event attracted any regular participants, they have an interim plan in place to hold another come and try day in April 2019.
A special mention to current state squad members, Darren Morrison, Nathan Dawson, Aaron Wilson, Carl Healey, Ray Pearse and Gary Willis (who were in attendance to support the clubs inaugural Richie Clutterbuck Memorial Pairs, each playing with Armidale City Bowling Club members) for taking the time to meet with Nanette, Kirsty and Will recently and have a chat with them.
An extra special thanks to Darren Morrison and Nathan Dawson who participated in a game of bowls with the intellectually-impaired group on the Friday afternoon.
“Everyone involved was blown away by the generosity and kindness of the state squad members,” Nanette said.
Contribution by Craig Donaldson – Regional Bowls Manager (Northern NSW)
