Partnership between Special Olympics Australia and Gymnastics Australia

Melbourne North Tenpin Bowling Club is excited to announce a special event in collaboration with Special Olympics Australia. This event aims to promote inclusivity and provide an opportunity for individuals with intellectual disabilities to participate in the thrilling sport of tenpin bowling.

For the next three years, Special Olympics Australia and Gymnastics Australia will join forces to increase pathways for people with intellectual disabilities in various sports, including tenpin bowling. The organisations have been working closely to develop inclusive programs that enhance participants' physical literacy, ensuring they acquire the necessary skills to enjoy an active lifestyle.

Gymnastics Australia, in particular, is thrilled to extend their partnership with Special Olympics Australia and advocate for gymnastics as an inclusive sport for individuals of all abilities. They firmly believe that gymnastics offers people of all ages an opportunity to develop their physical literacy, boosting self-confidence and motivation to lead active lives.

As part of this partnership, Special Olympics Australia and Gymnastics Australia will leverage the Australian Government's Sporting Schools initiative to provide a specially adapted program for students with intellectual disabilities. This program will offer a tailored approach, catering to the unique needs of each individual and encouraging their involvement in the world of sports.

Furthermore, Special Olympics Australia's Young Athletes program has been piloted and received tremendous success. This play-based program focuses on developing fundamental movement skills in children aged two to eight, regardless of intellectual disabilities. Accredited coaches from Gymnastics Australia have already delivered over 40 programs to approximately 640 participants in NSW, the ACT, and Victoria since 2018.

Moving forward, the new partnership aims to expand the Young Athletes program nationwide, ensuring that young children with intellectual disabilities have access to recreational gymnastics as a stepping stone towards Gymnastics Australia's Kindergym program or training at a Special Olympics club.

Melbourne North Tenpin Bowling Club is proud to be a part of this inclusive movement, providing a platform for individuals with intellectual disabilities to showcase their bowling skills and embrace the joy of playing a sport. We warmly invite interested players to join us for this special event and experience the thrill of tenpin bowling while fostering inclusivity and camaraderie.

Make sure to mark your calendars and spread the word about this exciting event organised in partnership with Special Olympics Australia. Let's come together and celebrate the power of sports to bring people of all abilities closer and create a more inclusive society.