The weather was perfect for outdoor sport and a bonus for the annual all abilities lawn bowling event at Stawell.
The annual Regional Lawn Bowling All Abilities event was once again conducted at the Stawell Bowling Club on September 19.
This event is an initiative of the Access For All Abilities program (inclusive sport and recreation for all abilities) which is funded by Sport and Recreation, Victoria.
Favourite AFL football colours were the theme for the event so there was a great mix of colour on and off the greens for the day.
Rhonda Allan, of the Mallee Sports Assembly-Wycheproof, once again liaised with the Stawell Bowling Club to "open" their doors for people of all abilities, with the club very receptive to support inclusive sport and recreation.
"The club is an ideal central regional location that is fully accessible and also has the right equipment to assist participants with limited mobility for the game of bowls" Allan said.
"Each year their volunteer members are in full support to assist with the facilitation of the event."
Many lawn bowling clubs are now commencing their season so it was an ideal time to conduct the program with the hope it would encourage participants to join their local clubs, even if only on a social basis.
As in previous years, Allan received supporte by from other organizations, including Nic Baird, from the Wimmera Regional Sports Assembly (Horsham), and Olivia Nam from Sports Central (Ballarat), who helped to run the event.
Baird provided the AFL grand final footage for all to enjoy when not playing bowls while Nam provided the decorations for the venue.
All participants were graded before the day and placed in different skill level sections.
Jack Attack kits provided a modified game to encourage increased participation.
This equipment assists new-comers and participants with limited ability with their game.
There was also a tube device set up which allowed people with limited movement to join in on the game.
About 105 people attended, including 69 participants, 23 staff/carers/spectators, four sports staff (including three regional sports assemblies and one state sporting association) and nine Stawell Bowling Club volunteers, leading to lots of action on the greens Paul Jackson, from Bowls Australia, provided each participant a "Certificate of Participation".
Following play, everyone enjoyed a BBQ lunch and fresh fruit prepared by the Stawell Bowling Club, with club members assisting with coaching, cooking and serving the food. They also provided all the bowling equipment required for participation.
