The 2023 season of Phillip Island Tenpin and Entertainment centre’s Bowlopolis League was run and won in great style on Friday September 8, with the culmination being a celebration, Gala Day.

This season has been the league’s biggest yet with athletes bowling weekly.

Bowlers came from far and wide from across the region.

Competing teams were Bass Coast and South Gippsland Specialist Schools, Connecting 2 Skills Australia, Yooralla, SCOPE, Foxy House and Interchange Gippsland.

The league was run as a phantom league, meaning that teams could bowl at any time throughout the week.

Scores were totalled and a ladder was kept once all the weekly scores are in.

The gala day bought all the teams together to play for the Bowlopolis league trophy.

In a very tight tussle, and with a very high standard of play all the eventual winner and 2023 champions for the third time was Yooralla from Leongatha.

Many individual awards were presented on the day for the top two bowlers from each organisation and some encouragement awards for those showing great leadership.

Veteran bowler Luke expressed what a great experience it has been, “It’s been really good.

The best part is getting to bowl with everyone here. “

Phillip Island Tenpin Bowling and Entertainment Centre has run this league since 2011 with the support from GippSport, who are funded by the Victorian Government Together More Active Program which provides support to assist people living with disabilities to participate in sport and active recreation.

GippSport Program Coordinator Gene Parini highlighted the great success of the program, “The atmosphere at the Gala Day was just fantastic.

Not only are the athletes improving their skill level each season but there is a real sense of helping each other and having fun.”

Since 2018 the program has also been supported by local Rotary clubs with the Wonthaggi and Phillip Island branches contributing to Gala Day expenses and trophies.

Phillip Island Tenpin  Entertainment Centre Manager Jeremy Westaway is thrilled with this.

“It’s been great to get the Rotary clubs involved and shows a real all community approach.

It ensures the final Gala day can be a special celebration for the commitment of all the bowlers.”

Tenpin Bowling Australia Participation Manager Sean O’Kane, who attended the end of season celebrations was also impressed with the turnout.

“It’s just great to see so many committed bowlers.

What a great atmosphere!”

The league will look to get going again in July 2024 but I’m sure there will be some keen athletes sneaking in some pre-season training in-between.