35th National Disability Championships Recap

Marking its 35th anniversary, the National Disability Championship has become a focal point for showcasing the extraordinary talents of bowlers with disabilities from every corner of the country.

Zone Bowling Tuggeranong in the nation’s capital hosted over 380 bowlers for the annual event that ran from June 5-15, 2024, organised by Australian Disabilities Tenpin Incorporated (ADTi) for Tenpin Bowling Australia (TBA).

The popular event had it all: record numbers, new champions, and even the first 300 game bowled in the championship’s 35-year history.

“One of the most incredible events I have had the privilege to attend,” explained Tenpin Bowling Australia’s new Chief Executive, Ryan Edgar. “Witnessing the passion and skill of these incredible athletes firsthand has been an inspiring and humbling experience. This event highlights the powerful impact of sports in bringing people together and fostering a sense of belonging and achievement. We are very proud to be associated with the event in partnership with ADTi and treasure the opportunity to help run one of the most attended events not only on our calendar, but in all disability sport in Australia” added Edgar.

The 2024 edition was the first for new ADTi Chairperson Martin Sammut. With the largest number of bowlers since COVID, Marty shed light on why this event continues to go from strength to strength.

“The big thing with tenpin bowling is its adaptability to any form of disability. We have vision-impaired bowlers, wheelchair bowlers, and many with restricted movements. We welcome all. It doesn’t matter what disability you have; we want you here to experience all the National Championships can provide,” explained Marty.

Despite the record numbers and representation from every Australian state and territory, attending the championship comes with significant challenges, particularly financial ones. Teams like those from the Northern Territory face costs of around $3,000-$4,000 each year to participate. “This is an incredible display of dedication,” said Marty.

The official opening ceremony on the first Saturday of the championship included special acknowledgments for those who consistently do unbelievable work within the industry, ensuring people with disabilities have equal access to opportunities within the sport. Congratulations to Lyn Beebe from Victoria and Sandra Cusack from the ACT, this year’s recipients. More on them here.

Tenpin Bowling Australia and ADTi thank the Hon Rachel Stephen-Smith MLA, Minister of Health, Children, Youth & Family Services, Disability, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Affairs, for officially opening this year’s Championship and presenting the Volunteer Recognition Awards to honour these special individuals.

The Roll of Honour, introduced in 2023, was conducted at the Championship Celebration dinner. This recognition highlights players, coaches, administrators, and carers for their contributions to the championships. Congratulations to the late Mr. Alan Hatton and his wife Carol for their incredible work over many decades in disability sports, particularly in South Australia. More on them here.

A ten-day event with several competitions requires meticulous planning.  Special thanks to the ADTi Executive committee members—Martin Sammut, Louise Cooke (Tournament Director, Beth Boyd (TBA JMC Rep), Kaye Talbot and Jenny Tiernan—for their incredible work in organising this event. These volunteers are the lifeblood of the championship, ensuring a great experience every year. Take a bow, team!

TBA and ADTi extend their thanks to the championship’s commercial partners: SCS Group, Zone Bowling, Zone Bowling Tuggeranong and manager Robert Venn and his amazing team for hosting, the Australian Sports Commission, and ACT Events, and local Canberra businesses all of whom supported with their time, money, and resources to ensure the event’s success.

We also thank the Federal Member for Bean, Mr David Smith MP, for attending the Championship presentations. Mr. Smith helped award medals and also paid a special acknowledgment to members of the Inclusion National Training Squad (NTS), who received their NTS shirts in front of their peers.

Finally, TBA and ADTi thank the bowlers, parents, friends, carers, and everyone who attended over the 10 days, continuing the incredible atmosphere that defines this special event.

TBA’s Diversity & Inclusion Manager, Emily Rennes, also acknowledged the support of Events ACT in the delivery of the event. “We’re so grateful to the ACT government for getting behind this event, through them we were able to live stream and provide a Kayo broadcast, which can still be viewed for free. Sharing these inspirational athletes via the event has resulted in a surge in interest for the 2025 event, watch out Perth!”.

As the late Michael Cooke liked to say, “It’s the Ability within the (dis)ability.” This event continues to uphold his legacy, proving that his mantra remains true and honouring the memory of the man who helped start it all.

Excitement is already building for the 36^th edition as the event moves to Western Australia for the 2025 Championships. More information about this event is expected to be released in January on www.tenpin.org.au

Congratulations to all our medal winners, new master’s champions, and the winning teams in the State Team Challenges.

CHAMPIONSHIP RESULTS

STATE TEAM CHALLENGE DAY

This year’s State Team Challenge had everything – thrilling finishes, new champions, and the first 300 game ever bowled at a National Disability Championship in its 35-year history. The entire day was streamed by our good friends, the Streaming Guys, with outstanding commentary provided by Martin Sammut and Jason Walsh. We thank them both for an excellent job.

Cole Challenge Cup

The Cole Challenge Cup was decided by a single point. Congratulations to South Australia for being crowned this year’s champions!

🥇 South Australia – 35 points, 7,462 pins
🥈 Western Australia – 34 points, 7,380 pins
🥉 New South Wales – 26.5 points, 7,314 pins

Full Rankings:

1. South Australia – 35 points, 7,462 pins
2. Western Australia – 34 points, 7,380 pins
3. New South Wales – 26.5 points, 7,314 pins
4. Queensland – 22 points, 7,117 pins
5. Northern Territory – 22 points, 7,026 pins
6. Australian Capital Territory – 20 points, 7,119 pins
7. Victoria – 19.5 points, 6,837 pins
8. Tasmania – 17 points, 6,822 pins

Michael Cooke Memorial Shield

In an incredible finish, the 2024 Michael Cooke Memorial Shield was determined by pins with two teams tied on 38 points at the end of the day. By a mere 8 pins, Queensland was declared the winner of this year’s shield event, halting the past dominance of New South Wales, who had won the last four events.

🥇 Queensland – 38 points, 6,240 pins
🥈 Victoria – 38 points, 6,232 pins
🥉 South Australia – 30 points, 5,588 pins

Full Rankings:

1. Queensland – 38 points, 6,240 pins
2. Victoria – 38 points, 6,232 pins
3. South Australia – 30 points, 5,588 pins
4. New South Wales – 26 points, 5,914 pins
5. Tasmania – 21 points, 5,070 pins
6. Australian Capital Territory – 19 points, 5,061 pins
7. Western Australia – 16 points, 5,055 pins
8. Northern Territory – 8 points, 4,849 pins

Historic Achievement

As streamed earlier in the day, history was made as young Victorian Pino Mascetti bowled the first-ever perfect game of 300 at a National Disability Championship.

With nerves of steel and in front of the streaming cameras, Pino delivered his 12th consecutive strike, achieving a perfect 300 game. His teammates celebrated the moment with him, highlighting the incredible camaraderie and support that exists within these championships.

 Tenpin Bowling Australia congratulates Pino on this historic accomplishment and extends gratitude to our major partners, SCS Group, for being in attendance and awarding Pino with a portable bowling lane as a special gift.

Way to go, Pino!

SportsPerson Awards

Congratulations to Madison Gardner-Hudson from Queensland for being awarded this years Cole Challenge Cup Sportsperson Award, and Malakai Sammut was acknowledged as this years Michael Cooke Memorial Shield Sportsperson award winner.

RESTRICTED, CLASSIC, & OPEN MASTERS

QUALIFYING SCORES

*SR -State Master Representatives

FINALS ROLLOFF

Click the event below to view the results in a PDF format.

STEPLADDER FINALS

Restricted 

2v3 

Owen Thomas scored 147, 248 with handicap defeats Madison Gardner-Hudson scored 105, 203 with handicap

1vWinner

Britney Gardner-Hudson scored 153, 255 with handicap defeats Owen Thomas scored 130, 231 with handicap

Classic

2v3

Tina Armstrong scored 151, 230 with handicap defeats Jason Back scored 104, 178 with handicap

1vWinner

Harry Woodhouse scored 155, 233 with handicap defeats Tina Armstrong scored 152, 231 with handicap

Open

2v3

Mitch Meares scored 207 defeats Will Mison scored 187

1vWinner

Mitch Meares bowled 205 defeats Kallan Strong bowled 199

Reparcharge 

Mitch Meares bowled 266 defeats Kallan Strong bowled 217