17 Oct 2025
On Friday 17 October 2025, WRSA partnered with the Warracknabeal Bowling Club as the Wimmera Regional Sports Assembly (WRSA) hosted the Inaugural annual Tri-School Lawn Bowls Day for local special schools. A total of 23 students participated, accompanied by around 7 carers, WRSA staff Vedang Ovalekar and Jaclyn (Active Schools Advisor), and approximately 10 volunteers including elite Para bowls athlete Josh Barry.
The event was designed to give students from the participating schools an opportunity to meet peers, try a new sport and enjoy a fun, inclusive day on the green.
Morning session – Introduction to bowls
The morning began with an introduction to lawn bowls. Each school was allocated dedicated rinks, and students were split into groups of three per rink. Under the guidance of bowling club volunteers, teachers and support staff, the students spent 90 minutes learning the basics of the game: delivering bowls, aiming toward the jack, and experiencing the green for the first time. Laughter and smiles were plentiful as many students tried bowls for the very first time.
Afternoon session – Fun game play
After lunch, the students returned for a more playful session. This time they were divided into teams of two from each school and played a friendly, non-scored game just fun, with a little healthy competition and lots of encouragement. The emphasis was on inclusion, participation and respect rather than winning. Many students cheered each other on, high-fived and celebrated each other’s successes.
Josh Barry, from the Warracknabeal Bowling Club, lent his time and expertise to the day. Josh is one of the region’s most accomplished para-lawn bowls athletes a multi-medallist at national para bowls championships and a proud local sporting role-model. His presence and genuine interaction with the students added an inspiring dimension to the day.
This activation aligns with WRSA’s strategic priorities of Participation & Inclusion, Active Schools and Community Wellbeing. By offering a specially designed sports experience for students with disabilities, WRSA supported:
- A welcoming environment where students feel valued, included and empowered.
- Opportunities for local special schools to connect, socialise and engage in active recreation.
- New pathways for students to explore sport, build confidence and find joy in movement.
Feedback from the day was overwhelmingly positive. Jaclyn (Physical Activity Advisor – Active Schools) shared:
“From Luke thinking he didn’t like lawn bowls to discovering he enjoyed it; Ariel realising her natural talent; and Max giving the biggest high-fives after hitting the jack in the final activity – it was an amazing day.”
WRSA extends heartfelt thanks to:
- Warracknabeal Bowling Club and its volunteers for their friendly support and for hosting the day.
- Teachers, carers and support workers from the participating schools for their dedication and organisation.
- Josh Barry for contributing his time and role modelling for the students.
WRSA looks forward to making this a recurring highlight for the region’s special schools.