Tenpin Bowling

People with disability resources, opens in a new tab, Tenpin Bowling Australia (TBA), (accessed 30 July 2025). Tenpin Bowling leads the way in actively including all participants in play. Whether it’s the first time in a bowling centre, using portable lanes in school/community setting or representing your state at the National Disability Championships – we aim to support each individual’s opportunity to bowl. Information provided includes: How NDIS funding can potentially be utilised. Inclusion tips for parents, carers, support workers; bowlers and coaches; and modifications and adaptions. Information on partnerships, offers, and resources from other organisations.

• Bowl Patrol, opens in a new tab. Bowl Patrol is Australia’s national junior tenpin bowling program designed specifically for primary school-aged children. Through partnerships with Autism Spectrum Australia and others TBA have created a number of resources to ensure the learning experience is a positive one. Siblings and friends can learn to bowl together, in the same program, regardless of age, ability or gender.
• Bowl Abilities, opens in a new tab. A learn to bowl program for older teens and adults with a disability.
• Bowl @ Home, opens in a new tab videos have been developed to complement the Bowl Abilities program. The videos help to learn the basics before going to the local centre to join a program. Both programs utilise inclusive elements in addition to physical modifications (ramps, bumpers, pushers) we offer communication assistance (WordBoard, social story, visual schedule) and a pathway through to league and representative competitions.
• TBA also hosts an annual National Disability Championship, opens in a new tab competition and supports a High Performance Inclusion Squad, opens in a new tab with athletes competing in a variety of international competitions.

Tenpin Bowling Case Study, opens in a new tab, Special Olympics Australia, (6 October 2021). At Special Olympics Australia, we rely on the dedication and efforts of our volunteers to provide opportunities for our athletes to play sport. Calvin Jenkins is one such volunteer. We shared Calvin’s story during National Volunteer Week. He is the driving force behind Special Olympics Tenpin Bowling in Tasmania and has been able to grow participation by leveraging a relationship with Tenpin Bowling Tasmania and their associated bowling leagues.

Blind and Vision Impaired Tenpin Bowling, opens in a new tab, Blind Sports Australia, (accessed 30 July 2025). Tenpin Bowling is a sport that can be played for recreation or competition, which can usually be enjoyed by the blind and the sighted on an equal basis. Blind or vision impaired bowlers can usually bowl in most bowling centres, the same as sighted bowlers. Bowlers who have no or little sight, may need sighted guidance or use a guide rail to help them in their deliveries.