Sporting Schools Providing Opportunity for All to Bowl

With the help of TBA and TBA NSW, Tenpin Bowling Sporting Schools saw bumper results for term two with new centres and schools engaging in Bowl Patrol and learn to bowl programs.

One of the many new schools that bowled using the Sporting Schools initiative was St. Gabriel’s Hearing-Impaired School. Classed as a hearing-impaired inclusion school, the sport of Tenpin Bowling accommodated the Sydney based school perfectly according to teacher Nic Taylor.

“Our students absolutely loved the program. They were all highly engaged throughout the program and interacted well with peers. The students learnt valuable turn-taking skills, had a lot of fun and enjoyed the challenge of bowling”.

A constant focus on assisting the specific needs and requirements of the school was organised by TBANSW state manager Jalen Timms. A four-week jam-packed program was formed to provide participants with an engaging and interactive environment whilst learning the fundamentals of the sport. The program was delivered by accredited Lane Ranger and Zone Bowling Blacktown centre manager, Louise Chantikul.

“Our students were given the opportunity to engage outside the classroom in the local community through this program” explained teacher Nic Taylor. “The students looked forward to bowling all week and had a great time developing skills throughout the four-week program, improving week in, week out”.

In a bid to increase TBA’s position in growing all abilities participation, this was a fantastic example of Tenpin Bowling’s eco-system working collaboratively. The Sporting Schools initiative sees collaboration between Tenpin Bowling Australia, the state association, centre staff and the school’s teaching cohorts in providing an opportunity to further grow and develop the local relationship.

“We have no doubt these initiatives lead to further participation opportunities. A strong tenpin program can provide their local school community exposure to the sport, highlighting Bowl Patrol, junior leagues and school holiday bowling initiatives for continued participation” noted TBA Sport Program and Development Manager Emily Rennes.

The school was incredibly pleased with the outcomes achieved and the specific elements put in place throughout the duration of the program.

“The fun and interactive nature of the sessions, the simplified, modified structure which focuses on having a go. The staff’s approach and friendly engaging nature towards all of the participants from the school involved in the four-week program were wonderful” praised teacher Nic Taylor.

TBA continue to prioritise opportunities for every-body to give bowling a go. Playful Connections is one of four key pillars of TBA’s three-year strategic plan. Within that pillar, Disability and inclusion participation is a crucial focus for TBA to have more people playing the sport and connecting through their local communities.

Earlier this year, Tenpin Bowling Australia focused on establishing partnerships to better serve and leverage TBA’s national flagship program for people with a physical or intellectual Disability – Bowl Abilities. Tenpin Bowling was announced as one of seven national sporting organisations to join Special Olympics Australia’s (SOA) inclusive sports programs.

Partnerships with Sporting Schools and SOA helps to facilitate students with an intellectual disability or autism to participate whilst also providing additional support and learning resources for coaches and teachers. St. Gabriel’s Hearing-Impaired School was a recipient of these program resources as were the ZONE Bowling Blacktown centre coaching staff to improve the experience for all centre visitors.

Participation programs in special education and mainstream settings alike through the Sporting Schools funding initiative are available to every school across Australia.

“I would definitely recommend this program to other schools and encourage students to get involved with their local centre to further develop their skills and be actively involved in the community”.

We thank St. Gabriel’s Hearing Impaired School for choosing Tenpin Bowling through Sporting Schools and cant wait to reach more schools through this magnificent initiative.

Contact the guys at Bowl Patrol or Bowl Abilities to find out how you can get your school or group involved in Term 3 participation programs

Email –  [email protected] or  [email protected]

• Bowl Patrol Website
• Bowl Abilities Website
• Tenpin Ready to Roll with Special Olympics and Sporting Schools – Tenpin Bowling Australia