Para Bowling World Cup legacy to provide even more Inclusion Opportunities

The successful delivery of last year’s International Bowling Federation (IBF) World Cup and Para Bowling World Cups on Australian soil was a major coup for the sport of Tenpin Bowling in this country and the Sunshine Coast region. Pleasingly, the legacy of the events will roll on in 2023 with more opportunities for people with a disability to bowl.

The twin World Cups provided several highlights and success for Team Australia on the lanes last November at the AGL National High-Performance Centre on the Sunshine Coast. Behind the scenes, hosting the World Cups for the first time was also a significant achievement for the sport.

Playing host to the world’s best bowlers from around the world at two major sporting events is one that’s only achievable in association with like-minded partners, and both the Sunshine Coast Council and Tourism and Events Queensland were pivotal in the feasibility and success of the 2022 events.

“It’s difficult to run events of any nature, let alone the scale of the World Cups, without the support of a range of partners, particularly the Sunshine Coast Council and Tourism Events Queensland,” explained Tenpin Bowling Australia Chief Executive Rohan O’Neill.

“We are incredibly grateful for the support received in delivering the twin World Cup events and we look forward to continuing our relationship to ensure the legacy of the events lives on.

“This is particularly relevant with the runway to Brisbane 2032 with the region in line to host Olympic and Paralympic events,” added O’Neill.

The Sunshine Coast Council’s support in attracting the Para Bowling World Cup to the region was a major first step in TBA’s plans to highlight the power of inclusion within the sport.

Tenpin Bowling is genuinely one of the most inclusive sports in Australia. Any age, height, weight, strength, or ability can bowl and enjoy the many benefits attached to participation.

The inaugural Para Bowling World Cup event staged events for several categories, including Intellectual Disability (ID), Vision Impaired, and Wheelchair athletes. Showcasing incredible skills on the lanes, Australia came away from the events boasting two new world champions following wins from Amanda Threlfall and Kallan Strong in the ID Individual event.

“The twin World Cups in November was a huge success for our region and one we were extremely proud to be part of,” explained Sunshine Coast Council Economy Portfolio Councillor Jason O’Pray.

“The Para Bowling World Cup was an event that perfectly aligned with Council’s broader strategy and agenda to support inclusive sports, events, and facilities.

“We are proud to be attached to a sport that is proud to be inclusive, and we look forward to continuing our support in 2023 to help provide a stage for these incredible athletes,” added Councillor O’Pray.

The legacy of the Para Bowling World Cup will be evident in early 2023, with the introduction of a new event and initiative for people with a disability – The Suncity Inclusion Cup.

The inaugural event will be hosted at the AGL National High-Performance Centre on the Sunshine Coast in Queensland from 25th to 26th February 2023. In addition, the event will become the first event of the newly adopted Inclusion Division in TBA’s National Rankings System. 

“Tenpin Bowling Australia is committed to providing more opportunities for bowlers with a disability,” said TBA CEO Rohan O’Neill. “You would be hard-pressed to find a better location for a bowling tournament than the AGPL National High-Performance Centre on the Sunshine Coast. There is always something to see and do on the Sunshine Coast, and we can’t wait to welcome bowlers to the inaugural Inclusion Division ranked event”.

Please click here to find out more information about the Suncity Inclusion Cup and ranked events.