AT FRONT L-R: Sally Watson (Secretary, Tenpin Bowling Assoc of WA), Sharon McKellar (Treasurer, Tenpin Bowling Assoc of WA) and Tahnee Ridley (President, Tenpin Bowling Assoc of WA), seen here at Zone Bowling in Morley.  The Tenpin Bowling Association of WA Inc has been granted $25,000 from the State Government towards its program for people with a disability.
Camera IconAT FRONT L-R: Sally Watson (Secretary, Tenpin Bowling Assoc of WA), Sharon McKellar (Treasurer, Tenpin Bowling Assoc of WA) and Tahnee Ridley (President, Tenpin Bowling Assoc of WA), seen here at Zone Bowling in Morley. The Tenpin Bowling Association of WA Inc has been granted $25,000 from the State Government towards its program for people with a disability. Credit: Supplied/David Baylis www.communitypix.com.au d490240

Tenpin bowling: More than 120 bowlers to benefit from State Government grant

Kristie LimEastern Reporter

THE Tenpin Bowling Association of WA Inc is aiming to continue reaching out to kids of all abilities and backgrounds after receiving a State Government grant.

More than 120 bowlers, who are part of the association’s all-year programs at Zone Bowling centres in Morley, Joondalup, Cannington and Morley, will benefit from the $25,000 grant.

A total of 12 regional and six metropolitan organisations received funding under the Government’s Targeted Participation program which provided funding for organisations to promote participation and engagement among low participation groups such as people with a disability, teenage girls, the Aboriginal community and seniors.

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Speaking to the Reporter at Zone Bowling Morley today, Sport and Recreation Minister Mick Murray said it was important to connect kids with sport at an early age regardless of their background.

BACK L-R: Siarn Ottaviano, Sport and Recreation Minister Mick Murray, Jarrod Planken (State Operations Manager, Zone Bowling), East Metro MLC Alanna Clohesy and Tahnee Ridley (President, Tenpin Bowling Assoc of WA). FRONT L-R: Emma Blunden (13) and Blake Turner (12), seen here at Zone Bowling in Morley. Photo: David Baylis www.communitypix.com.au d490240
Camera IconBACK L-R: Siarn Ottaviano, Sport and Recreation Minister Mick Murray, Jarrod Planken (State Operations Manager, Zone Bowling), East Metro MLC Alanna Clohesy and Tahnee Ridley (President, Tenpin Bowling Assoc of WA). FRONT L-R: Emma Blunden (13) and Blake Turner (12), seen here at Zone Bowling in Morley. Photo: David Baylis www.communitypix.com.au d490240 Credit: Supplied/Supplied

“Keeping kids involved in sport is very difficult so we have to have programs out there to make sure they stay connected,” he said.

“For the kids themselves, some of those who sometimes don’t fit the traditional sports, to come here and be a participant in a competition – I think it is so important to their well-being and growth as they go forward otherwise once they are outside, there are chances of getting distracted and in trouble.”

Association president Tahnee Ridley said bowling was an “all inclusion, all abilities and all seasons sport” and the grant would help with the promotion and buying equipment.

“This actually helps us get the ability to get new participants like small children aged five to six years old involved and start at a level that is competitive for them but easy to pick up the sport,” she said.

“It helps keep them in the community because little bowlers turn into big bowlers.”

BACK L-R: Geoffrey Hollaway, Ben Littlecott, Emma Blunden, Nick Littlecott, Maddison Littlecott and Siarn Ottaviano. AT FRONT: Blake Turner, seen here at Zone Bowling in Morley. Photo: David Baylis
Camera IconBACK L-R: Geoffrey Hollaway, Ben Littlecott, Emma Blunden, Nick Littlecott, Maddison Littlecott and Siarn Ottaviano. AT FRONT: Blake Turner, seen here at Zone Bowling in Morley. Photo: David Baylis Credit: Supplied/Supplied

Zone Bowling state operations manager Jarrod Planken said the goal was always to bring more kids into bowling.

East Metropolitan MLC Alanna Clohesy said the grant program brought people from different backgrounds who would not otherwise have the chance to be part of the community.

For information, visit www.tenpinwa.com.au/index.html and www.dsr.wa.gov.au/tpp

Full list of successful grant applicants in the metropolitan area- Reclink National Program Expansion (Rockingham): $37,000

– Tenpin Bowling Association of WA Inc (Bunbury, Rockingham, Cannington, Joondalup, Morley): $25,000

– Armadale Youth Intervention Partnership (Armadale): $37,500

– PCYC Saturday Night Basketball (Rockingham): $7500

– Work it Out Fitness Program (Swan): $7500

– Team Connect WA (Belmont, Gosnells, Wanneroo): $7500

– Aboriginal Swim and Survive Program (Gosnells, Swan, Broome, Armadale, Geraldton, Karratha and Kununurra): $25,000