Four decades on Robyn Wade Tournament continues to thrive
By Tenpin Bowling Australia
A tenpin bowling tournament that has been running for over 40 years is highlighting bowling as a sport for everyone to enjoy.
Robyn Wade was an avid bowler in the Bendigo tenpin bowling community when her life was tragically cut short after being involved in a car accident at only 11-years-old. Robyn’s mother Jessica chose to honour her daughter by sponsoring a youth bowling tournament each year to keep Robyn’s love of the sport going.
The Robyn Wade Tournament is a Tenpin Bowling Australia (TBA) accredited Youth event and has attracted a number of up-and-coming young bowlers from across Victoria.
This year’s tournament, which was held on 29 January, was a triples team event, with teams divided into three categories; high, middle and lower average bowlers. In order to cater for all bowlers a handicap system – based on 100 per cent of 230 -was used to even out the field so that everybody had a chance.
The tournament has gained momentum in recent years, with organiser David Farquharson saying it has gone from strength to strength. Robyn’s mother was the only sponsor for many years, but given the attraction of the event, many other sponsors have come on board.
“I have been overwhelmed with the support and local sponsorship to allow us to make sure this event is affordable and has great prizes that can be shared out,” Farquharson said.
“It’s a great event where the higher average bowlers can support and encourage the lower average bowlers, and the lower average bowlers can bowl with bowlers they look up to.”
Players and organisers were also thrilled to have TBA Victoria (TBAV) members attend this year’s event including National Training Squad (NTS) 18 team managers Jamie and Dee Taafe as well as TBAV Director Louise Eady.
“It’s a great event where the higher average bowlers can support and encourage the lower average bowlers, and the lower average bowlers can bowl with bowlers they look up to,” said Farquharson.
“Given the problems with COVID the last few years, it was great to see so many kids and indeed families, having a great time!” he added.
Credit to Rikki Pool Photography – Rikki spent all day at the bowl taking some great shots and we appreciate his permission to use some photos.
