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Kwinana Bowling Club membership surge after pilot program makes it more affordable

Tim SlaterWeekend Kwinana Courier

THE Kwinana Bowling Club is experiencing a boom in new members following the introduction of the one-year Silver Sports pilot program to the City.

The program has made playing bowls more affordable, with several ladies members who had joined as recreational players now taking part in regular events.

“Most of them have upgraded to full membership and they are playing more,” ladies vice president Avril Yates said.

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“It’s been a snowball effect and has been great for the club and we hope the program continues next year.”

The City of Kwinana is one of five councils taking part in Silver Sports and already has the highest sign-up rate of people taking part.

To date, 259 seniors in the City of Kwinana have been issued vouchers, followed by 193 in the City of Belmont and 105 in the Shire of Northam.

The most popular activities are bowls, swimming, golf and fitness or gym memberships.

“SilverSport has been very well received in Kwinana and feedback has been overwhelmingly positive so far,” Mayor Carol Adams said.

“It has proven to be an excellent incentive for senior residents to get back into a physical activity they have not participated in for a while, or even try something completely new.”

Sport and Recreation Minister Mia Davies said the pilot program was modelled on the KidSport program and provides up to $200 towards fees, uniforms and equipment needed for senior’s sport and recreation activities.

The program encourages seniors aged 60 years and over to be more active had already enrolled 718 seniors in its opening months.

“Active communities are happy and healthier communities and active seniors certainly set a great example for everyone else,” Ms Davies said.

Ms Davies said through SilverSport, the State Government was helping more seniors who might otherwise find it unaffordable to join a sport or recreation club.

The program has received $300,000 in funding from the departments of Sport and Recreation and Local Government and Communities.

Applicants with a Health Care Card or Pensioner Concession Card can join a registered SilverSport program

The two other councils taking part are Kalgoorlie-Boulder and Coolgardie.