2024 Phillip Island Tenpin & Entertainment Centre Bowlopolis League Wraps Up in Style

Credit to Gippsport & Phillip Island Tenpin

The 2024 season of Phillip Island Tenpin & Entertainment Centre’s Bowlopolis League concluded in great fashion on Friday, September 13, with a celebratory Gala Day marking the event. This season, the league celebrated its 11th year since its inception in 2011.

Bowlers traveled from across the region to participate, with competing teams from Bass Coast & South Gippsland Specialist Schools, Connecting 2 Skills Australia, Yooralla, SCOPE, Foxy House, and Interchange Gippsland.

The league was operated as a phantom league, meaning teams could bowl at any time throughout the week. Scores were tallied, and a ladder was kept after all weekly results were submitted. The Gala Day brought all teams together to compete for the coveted Bowlopolis League Trophy!

In a closely fought contest, the 2024 champions were crowned: Interchange Gippsland. Many individual awards were presented, including top bowler honours from each organisation and encouragement awards recognising leadership and sportsmanship. Veteran bowler Ray shared his enthusiasm, saying, “I just love it! It’s great exercise and good fun.”

Phillip Island Tenpin Bowling & Entertainment Centre has hosted this league since 2011 with the support of GippSport, funded by the Victorian Government’s Together More Active program. This initiative provides assistance for people living with disabilities to engage in sport and active recreation. GippSport Program Coordinator Gene Parini praised the success of the program, noting, “The atmosphere at the Gala Day was just fantastic as always. Not only are the athletes improving their skill levels each season, but there’s also a strong sense of camaraderie and fun.”

Local sponsorship helped make the Gala Day a success, with Wonthaggi Rotary Club contributing $750 and Wonthaggi Removals providing $300. Phillip Island & San Remo Rotary Club also generously provided a BBQ for participants after the morning’s competition. Phillip Island Tenpin & Entertainment Centre Manager Jeremy Westaway expressed his gratitude: “It’s wonderful to see local sponsors get involved, showing a real community spirit. Their support ensures that the Gala Day is a special celebration of the bowlers’ dedication.” He also remarked on the high standard of competition, saying, “It’s great to see so many committed bowlers. The atmosphere was fantastic!”

Looking ahead, the Centre will host an all-abilities School Sport Victoria event on Friday, October 25, where specialist school students from across the state will compete with hopes of progressing to further pathways. This event is organised in partnership with Tenpin Bowling Australia.

The Bowlopolis League will return in July 2025, but no doubt there will be some keen athletes sneaking in pre-season training before then!

For further information about the program, please contact Gene Parini via email at [email protected]