Inclusion High Performance Squad Confirmed for 2025

Tenpin Bowling Australia is pleased to announce the athletes selected in the 2025 Inclusion High Performance Squad (HPS) — celebrating some of the most passionate and dedicated bowlers in our community.

The Inclusion HPS represents athletes with an intellectual disability or impairment who are actively pursuing competitive success at national and international levels. This squad continues to play a vital role in our commitment to a truly inclusive high performance pathway that supports all athletes to achieve their potential.

About the Inclusion Squad Categories

The 2025 Inclusion High Performance Squad recognises athletes across four categories; each aligned with the respective eligibility pathways for national and international competition:

• Virtus: Athletes who have obtained Virtus classification, allowing them to compete in sanctioned international events under the Virtus global system.
• Non-Virtus: Athletes with an intellectual impairment not currently classified through Virtus (formerly INAS).
• Wheelchair: Athletes who compete in a seated position, including those with spinal cord injuries, cerebral palsy, or other mobility-related impairments.
• Vision Impaired: Athletes who compete with varying levels of visual impairment and are classified under recognised vision-impaired sporting categories.

These categories reflect the commitment to a fair and inclusive approach to competition and development, allowing athletes to train and compete alongside peers with similar eligibility and needs.

Introducing the 2025 Inclusion High Performance Squad

Selection Process

Athletes were selected following an expression of interest process and a review of recent performances, pathway engagement, and future potential. Selections were made with the aim of creating a supported and aligned squad structure that reflects the evolving standards of inclusion within the sport.

The Inclusion HPS forms a key part of TBA’s restructured High Performance Squad (HPS) program — which aims to create consistent and inclusive systems of development across all divisions of the sport.

Leadership & Support

Leading the 2025 Inclusion High Performance Squad is Jason Walsh, who brings a unique blend of personal passion and professional experience to the role of Head Coach.

Jason recently received widespread praise for his leadership as Head Coach of the Australian team at the 2025 IBF Para Bowling World Championships, where his supportive and athlete-focused approach was celebrated by the team. A respected coach and accomplished bowler in his own right, Jason’s commitment to inclusive sport has grown even stronger through his involvement in the disability sector — most notably through his support of his son, Bronx, a proud competitor in inclusion events.

“I’m incredibly excited for the opportunity to work with this group,” said Head Coach Jason Walsh. “With the addition of our wheelchair and vision impaired athletes to the program, I’m hopeful it inspires even more bowlers to gain the confidence to put their hand up and proudly compete for their country.”

Jason will be supported by members of the TBA High Performance Coaching and Management Team, who will work together to build structure, confidence, and competitive readiness for Inclusion Squad athletes across a range of training and event opportunities throughout the year.

What’s Next for HPS?

• With the Youth, Senior, and now Inclusion squads confirmed, the final stage of the High Performance Squad rollout will be the announcement of the Open High Performance Squad, which is scheduled to be released shortly.
• Squad members across all divisions will soon receive further information regarding training opportunities, squad meetings, international planning, and development support for the remainder of the year.
• TBA remains committed to ensuring all squads are connected, supported, and aligned as we build momentum toward national and international success across all divisions.

Tenpin Bowling Australia remains committed to delivering a high performance environment that is inclusive, athlete-centred, and aligned with international standards across all divisions.

Tenpin Bowling Australia congratulates all athletes named in the 2025 Inclusion High Performance Squad and looks forward to supporting their development throughout the year.

For more information about the HPS structure or athlete selection process, visit here or contact the team at [email protected]