Sport
18 December, 2024
Disability Bowls program
The Caboolture Lakes Bowls Club has launched a disability bowls program with Abilify, to provide connection and exercise for locals living with disabilities.
Club coach, Geoff Sanderson, recently started the program after he felt he needed to give something back to the community and to the club.
“In the UK I used to work with cancer patients and veterans with PTSD, but when I moved to Australia five years ago, my qualifications were not recognised here,” he said.
“When I moved here, I joined the Caboolture Lakes Bowls Club and did a coaching course because I wanted to give back as the club was so welcoming.
“While I was learning to coach I saw a player who took their prosthetic off while trying to learn to play.”
Geoff felt this was wrong, and made it his mission to help coach those with disabilities.
“It’s just blossomed since we started it, it’s really about putting back into the community,” he said.
“We don’t charge, it’s a community asset and we are giving it back to you.
“Tuesdays we are at the Caboolture Cricket Club and we are lucky enough to use the indoor centre there, we’ve got a cricket Australia coach, it’s definitely an inclusive experience around social connection,” he said.
“It’s just nice to see people come down, we are here, it’s raining but we get everyone involved, even the clients’ support workers.”
Abilify is a disability support service based in Morayfield, which provides advocacy and connection for those living with disabilities.
Group programme co-ordinator, Jeremy Ward, said that they are expanding in providing a range of local inclusive sports programs.
“This bowls program is a wonderful opportunity and it’s a great way to spend Friday afternoons.
“We hope to start bringing our clients in on a Wednesday as well to play with members, to continue to integrate them into the club.”
Jeremy added they would love to also start a social club for the clients.
The Caboolture Lakes Bowls Club plays out of the Beachmere Bowls Club, and meets every Friday from 1-2pm.
If you would like to get involved, email cablakesbowls@bigpond.com.
