Multi-disability bowlers gather in Ulladulla for Championships
For the third consecutive year, the Milton Ulladulla Bowling Club has played host to the Wheelchair Sports NSW (WS NSW) Lawn Bowls State Championships.
WS NSW is a multi-disability organisation providing sporting opportunities in 14 sports for persons with physical disabilities.
Each year the organisation provides two opportunities for existing bowlers with disabilities to come together and compete at a Singles Classic and State Championships.
This year’s State Championships attracted 30 competitors from across NSW and included some international guests with two bowlers and their supporters coming from Singapore.
The competition, run from September 3 to 7, included open pairs and open singles.
Milton Ulladulla Bowling Club members and staff were outstanding hosting the event and the enthusiasm and professionalism that is displayed each year was evident in the conversations taking place between bowlers and spectators.
The event was also the last for WS NSW Sports Development Officer Mark Wilson who is leaving to take up new role in local council.
Mark has done a great job coordinating bowls events during his time with WS NSW and we wish him well in his new career.
WS NSW Regional Development Officer Todd Parker was also a great help and concluded the championship, as was Bowls NSW Programs Coordinator James Berriman, who provided support to the event with attendance at the Welcome Dinner, photography, Facebook updates and a live-stream of the last five ends of the Open Pairs Final.
The competition was played in great conditions on great greens, despite some rain delays, and the spirit and fairness displayed by all the bowlers is what bowls should be all about.
Results:
Opens Pairs, 1st – Michelle Campbell (Raymond Terrace BC), Mark Whiteman (Mayfield West BC), 2nd – Phil Plackett (Penrith BC), Ron Mowday (Ettalong BC), 3rd – Geoff Seton (Leichhardt BC), Ryan Wood (Bateau Bay BC). Open Singles, 1st – Ron Mowday (Ettalong BC), 2nd – Geoff Seton (Leichhardt BC), 3rd – Joanne Hunter (Gymea BC).
The next WS NSW bowls event will be the Singles Classic held at Raymond Terrace Bowling Club from February 25 to 27.
Following that many of the competitors will also enter the 2019 Australian Open bowlers with disability events.
If your club has any bowlers interested in playing, in either event, contact your local BA Regional Bowls Manager or State and Territory Association.
Contribution by Mark Whitman – Regional Bowls Manager (Newcastle/Central Coast/Hunter)
