BROADFORD Bowling Club is hosting a 24-hour Bowlathon to raise money this weekend after players were inspired by a woman’s passion for the sport.
Katie, a woman with cerebral palsy, participated in a previous barefoot bowling competition at the club and caught the attention of club members after coming out of her shell to get involved and play.
All funds raised at this weekend’s event will be donated to the Cerebral Palsy Alliance, a charity that serves to provide expertise and support for the condition while also improving on research, technology, innovation and advocacy.
Club champion Dave Ellis said he hoped the event would draw attention to both cerebral palsy and Broadford Bowling Club.
“I wanted to put the club and the town on the map, and Katie started coming to our barefoot bowls. She was very shy and put back, she didn’t really get involved much,” he said.
“But once she started, you could see the change in her and the smile on her face and she really enjoyed it.”
Mr Ellis said people close to Katie and others at the club noticed her enthusiasm, inspiring him to support the cause.
“A lot of people said they noticed [the change], so I thought ‘why don’t I do something for her charity or for cerebral palsy?’,” he said.
Mr Ellis has committed to bowling for the full 24 hours, with the event to begin at 5pm Friday and conclude at 5pm on Saturday.
The event will be sponsored by West Coast Bowls and the Shearasun Brewing Company, and feature a jumping castle, classic car show and raffles, as well as a luncheon with guest speakers such as former bowls number one Steve Glasson and AFL all-Australian Lance Whitnall.
Participants can purchase an $80 package that includes a shirt, Saturday luncheon and bowling.
Individual prices are $30 for the luncheon, $60 for a shirt and $10 per person for bowling, while entry for children is a gold coin donation.
To make a booking for the Saturday luncheon, contact Brayden on 0428 084 439.
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