Defence force veterans and their families are learning to love the sport of bowls, and all the benefits that comes with it.
Invictus Australia and Bowls Australia have teamed up to run Family Veteran Days across the country, taking veterans and their families out onto greens at local clubs to learn the sport.
Invictus Australia is a not-for-profit organisation promoting the physical, social and emotional benefits of sport, shining a light on the unique needs of younger veterans and the challenges they face as they transition from military to civilian life.
Several recent events have taken place across the country with great success, including at Rosewood and Toowoomba in Queensland and Darwin. South East Queensland Regional Bowls Manager Micheal Sorrensen has been involved in helping coordinate these events, and said it is great to be involved with.
“This partnership is to provide support for the service people and their families of Australia in a safe and friendly environment,” he said.
“The connection between the sport of bowls and the forces goes back to the boom period of the sport, with many of our current clubs be formed by groups of returned servicemen.
“It is always great to see people out there with their family having fun, it’s what it is all about.”
Sorrensen has been working closely with Veteran Engagement Specialist South East Queensland Justine Lugg and Regional Manager, Veteran Engagement Northern NSW Jye Martyn to ensure the events offer the best experience possible.
With previous events attracting good numbers, there are more scheduled in the coming weeks, including one at Club Tweed on July 2.
