High Performance program
It has undoubtedly been another interesting year for Bowls Australia’s (BA) High Performance (HP) program and although there has been limited opportunities with events, due to impacts relating COVID-19 restrictions, the program has undergone some significant and exciting changes. After 10 years at the helm of the HP program, National Coach Steve Glasson OAM called time on a stellar coaching career. Glasson will obviously and understandably be missed as part of BA’s program and we thank and acknowledge him for his dedication, commitment and professionalism throughout his journey. We also sincerely thank Glasson’s immediate family, Kelly, Ben, Josh, Mitchell and Daniel for allowing us so much time with him during his coaching career. Fortunately, Steve will not be lost to the game, he is a self-confessed ‘lifer’ in bowls, and transitioned into a new role with BA’s valued partner BCiB Bowling Club Insurance Brokers. With Glasson’s departure, the HP program underwent several staffing and structural changes, with the appointment of Karen Murphy to the National Assistant Coach/Pathways Manager, Rebecca Van Asch as High Performance Manager, and Leah Lazzaro to an elevated full-time role of High Performance Operations Manager, which are significant for the HP program and the sport in Australia. BA staff have worked extremely hard over the last f ive months creating both foundation and
f ramework in all aspects of the program, for present day and into the future, and are identifying ways to create and connect both internally and externally with our key stakeholders f rom a grassroot and a whole-of-sport perspective. The HP Pathways program continues to evolve with the aim to enhance the program and connections in conjunction with State and Territory Associations through talent identif ication, development, selection processes and coaching. BA’s state-based pathway coaches continue to develop within their roles and are all providing great resource for pathways, emerging and PARA squads across the country. During the current COVID-19 environment, a significant focus has been on athlete well-being and engagement and fortunately for us, BA employ a magnif icent AW&E manager in Samantha Cox. Cox has been able to form genuine connections and continues to provide excellent resource and development opportunities for our athletes and staff. An extremely high priority during this period has been to prepare for the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games, which has faced obvious challenges with travel restrictions and limitations around combining squads for training and trialling opportunities. There are still many things that can be done off the green that will contribute significantly to the ANNUAL REPORT 2020/21
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