By making specialised wheelchairs available for play, a Yanchep sports club is making sure no-one misses out on the great game of bowls.
Yanchep Sports and Social Club has custom made bowling wheelchairs available for any community members who would like to try the sport.
The wheelchairs are a passion project for club president Jodie Nikolic.
More than 10 years’ ago, Jodie’s life changed forever when she was struck by a car while cycling and suffered a spinal cord injury.
She said as a former top triathlete, finding a sport to participate in was important to her happiness.
After trying badminton and para sailing, she joined her partner in their sport of choice – bowls.
“Para sports are for people with disabilities, I really just wanted to be able to roll up on a Friday night and catch up with my mates – I didn’t want to be separate,” she said.
“It’s a social sport, we play and then head to the clubrooms afterwards for a drink, food and laughs.
“At the club I’m just Jodie who uses a wheelchair to bowl.”
However, Jodie would need a specialised wheelchair to access the greens and to protect the surface.
She had a chair constructed with custom spokes, wider wheels and a low seat.
Getting the chair in March last year, the “bowls widow” said she soon became “addicted”.
A natural talent, Jodie has already represented WA at the Multi Disability Championships and will take part in the Pathways Program as part of the Para-Jackaroos squad.
Jodie said she was privileged that she could afford the custom chair and that many others would not be able to afford one.
Bowls WA provided funds to purchase two new wheelchairs, now available to use at Yanchep Sports and Social Club.
Jodie said the club hosted a five-week long program to encourage the community to try out bowls.
“Young people came, as well as two people in wheelchairs came and used the gear which was great,” she said.
“The chairs aren’t just for people with a disability, they can also be used for the older generation who can’t play anymore.
“Bowls is one of the most accessible sports you can play – come and join us and try it out!”
