Bowls Australia welcomes CGA funding for High Performance program

by Bowls Australia on April 2, 2019

Bowls Australia (BA) welcomes the announcement made by Commonwealth Games Australia (CGA) of a $13 million funding package for Australian athletes and teams to assist with preparations for the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games.

A total of $273,600 will be dedicated to the BA High Performance program to aid in the BCiB Australian Jackaroos’ preparation abroad for the 2022 Commonwealth Games.

The Jackaroos were among the most successful teams at the 2018 Commonwealth Games on the Gold Coast, collecting five gold and two silver medals from a possible ten disciplines, making them the fourth-most prolific gold medal winning Australian team across all sports.

MORE: Commonwealth Games Australia to provide $13 million funding for Australian athletes

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CGA’s funding commitment will help contribute to the Jackaroos’ tours of the UK in 2019 and 2020, allowing our able-bodied and para-sport bowlers the chance to train and play at the 2022 Games venue against international opposition.

These tours will enhance the team’s exposure to the unique conditions in the UK in a bid that players will be able to draw on these experiences and learnings as they chase gold in 2022.

Additionally, the funding will also contribute to the recruitment of a UK-based specialised tactical coach for the BA High Performance program in 2019 and 2020 tasked with improving the players’ performance in UK conditions.

This follows the addition of iconic UK international Andy Thomson to the High Performance program in a tactical role in 2018.

BA National Coach Steve Glasson thanked CGA for their ongoing commitment to the sport and its athletes.

“We are very thankful to Commonwealth Games Australia for continuing to support our High Performance program on the journey to Birmingham 2022,” he said.

“This round of funding will be critical in exposing those players in contention for the 2022 Games to the UK conditions between 2019 & 2020, an invaluable exercise that we believe will see the athletes best-prepared for another gold rush.

“The recruitment of an overseas-based specialised tactical coach will provide unparalleled tactical nous to our program, complimenting the existing array of highly-driven coaches and staff.”

Commonwealth Games Australia CEO, Craig Phillips said the CGA was pleased to be able to support BA and the athletes in the lead up to Birmingham.

“The funding is designed to complement rather than replace or replicate any other sources of funding such as via Sport Australia or the AIS, however in some sports where Olympic related funding is minimal, this funding provides a lifeline for athletes and the sport,” Phillips said.

“Between 1996 and 2018, CGA has provided in excess of $43 million to its members and athletes. The funding comes entirely from income from investments held in the Australian Commonwealth Games Foundation, sponsorship rights sales and fundraising activities and has been boosted by legacies of hosting home Games in Melbourne and now the Gold Coast.

“Our 2016-2022 strategy is “Building Team Success” and this funding will help our sports and athletes in these crucial two years before the final lead in to Birmingham where our goal is to be the No.1 nation in both gold and overall medals at the 2022 Commonwealth Games. And for our lawn bowlers, the funding helps alleviate some of the financial costs for national team members to compete in crucial lead up events in 2019 and 2020, including the Jackaroos’ tours of the UK in 2019 and 2020, which will provide important access for our able-bodied and para-sport bowlers to the 2022 Games venue.”