THERE’S nothing quite like being on a real bowling green to get a true sense of what the sport is all about.
Students from Woori Yallock Primary School did just that when, as part of a seven-week Active After-school Communities Program (AACP), they visited Warburton Bowling Club in March.
The program is a national initiative that provides primary school-aged children with access to free, structured physical activity programs after school.
Robyn Muir, regional co-ordinator for the program, said the AACP aims to engage traditionally non-active children in a range of activities and to build pathways with local community organisations, including sporting clubs.
The students had the opportunity to learn from one of Warburton’s most experienced bowlers, Ray Vizard. “For the final week they caught the bus up to the Warburton Bowls Club for their final session,” Ms Muir said. “The club encourages juniors to join the club and to go along on Friday afternoons.”
The club was bowled over by the youngsters’ talent and, hopefully, can see some new members in the making.
Ms Muir said Badger Creek Primary School also joined the program last term opting to try their hand at archery.
They had their final archery session at the school at the end of term under the eagle-eyed members of the Yarra Valley Archers.
The club is based at the archery park in Don Valley.
“They have been a brilliant club and very popular in the program at every school,” Ms Muir said. Any local clubs who would like to get involved in the Active After-school Communities Program can contact Ms Muir on 0437 700 392.