Trials for State multi-disability team

by Marketing on July 12, 2021

A classification and trial event for the South Australian multi-disability team will be held on Sunday, August 8.

The team, which will be run for the first time under the Bowls SA banner, will compete at the Australian Multi-Disability Championships on the Gold Coast in October of this year.

Bowls Australia Participation and Programs Manager James Wilson, who is based is South Australia, has been a key driver of establishing this pathway for multi-disability athletes in SA to aspire to play at a high level.

“I am incredibly excited to get a big turn out to the classification and trial day and then to be able to pick a State team from there,” he said.

“It is important to give our multi-disability athletes a chance to represent their State on a national stage and to then possibly even have a chance to go on and represent their country for the Para Jackaroos.”

James said the State disability pathways program is based upon three key pillars.

“We want to increase overall participation of people living with a disability playing bowls, both in specialized programs and mainstream competitions,” he said.

“We want to help our clubs become more equipped and trained in the area of working with people with disabilities.

“We also want to help bowlers with disabilities to make sure they have access to the best possible coaching and opportunities.”

James encouraged any potential players or volunteers, who would like to be involved in the program to get in touch with him.

“We are also looking at having people with disabilities help to run these programs to build their skills and involvement in the game,” he said.

Work is also currently being done to establish State teams for both blind bowlers and bowlers living with an intellectual disability.

Anyone with one of the following conditions, as listed below, is encouraged to contact James on 0437 527 161 or email jwilson@bowls.com.au to discuss being involved with the classification and trial day:

  • Impaired muscle power

Reduced force generated by muscles or muscle groups, may occur in one limb or the lower half of the body, as caused, for example, by spinal cord injuries, Spina Bifida or poliomyelitis.

  • Impaired range of movement

Range of movement in one or more joints is reduced permanently. Joints that can move beyond the average range of motion, joint instability and acute conditions, such as arthritis, are not considered eligible impairments.

  • Limb deficiency

Total or partial absence of bones or joints, from birth or as a consequence of trauma (e.g. car accident, amputation) or illness (e.g. bone cancer).

  • Leg length difference

Bone shortening in one leg from birth or trauma.

  • Short Stature

Reduced standing height due to abnormal dimensions of bones of upper and lower limbs or trunk, e.g due to achondroplasia or growth hormone dysfunction.

  • Hypertonia

Abnormal increase in muscle tension and reduced ability of a muscle to stretch, which can result from injury, illness or a health condition such as cerebral palsy.

  • Ataxia

Lack of co-ordination of muscle movements due to neurological condition, such as cerebral palsy, brain injury or multiple sclerosis.

  • Athetosis

Generally characterised by unbalanced, uncontrolled movements and a difficulty in maintaining a symmetrical posture, due to cerebral palsy, brain injury, multiple sclerosis or other conditions.