Sports CONNECT

Sports CONNECT is a program created by the Australian Sports Commission and supported by Bowls Australia and Bowls SA. It is about creating sporting options for people with disabilities, in this case ‘Bowls’.

Sports Connect was created to define inclusive sport – that sport should be about having access to a wide range of options – thus providing people with disabilities with choices. It’s about finding ways for sport to include more people with disabilities in what they do – in whatever role people with disabilities chose. It’s about helping disability groups understand the many benefits of sport and about demystifying how difficult it is to get involved. Essentially, it is about ensuring those all important links between sports and disability groups are effective and result in more people with disabilities being involved in sport.

Bowls SA is committed to providing a positive experience for all bowlers with disabilities through the Sports Connect Program. Our Networks include State Disability organisations such as Wheelchair Sports SA (www.wheelchairsports-sa.org.au), the South Australian Sport and Recreation Association for People with Integration Difficulties (SASRAPID) (www.sasrapid.com.au) and the South Australian Blind Bowlers (Ray McKay p. 8265 0891). There are also events and programs specifically for bowlers with disabilities.

There a many training programs for coaches, officials and volunteers who are looking to work with bowlers with disabilities and these can be found on the Office for Recreation and Sports Training Page http://www.recsport.sa.gov.au/training-development/coaches-courses.html

For any person working with athletes with a disability, it is suggested that they obtain a police check from Bowls SA.