SPORT

from Glenorchy Gazette August 2021

by Cor Comms

A FINANCIAL MOMENT

Strike for Tasmania

Minister for Hospitality and Events Sarah Courtney at Zone Bowling Moonah with young female Tasmanian tenpin bowlers.

TASMANIA has hit a strike, with Zone Bowling in Moonah playing host to the 59th Tenpin Bowling National Championships.

The competition includes five major events which started on 19 July and will finish on 15 August.

It is the first time since 2006 that the National Championships has been hosted in Tasmania, and only the fourth time since the event’s inception in 1962.

This year’s event will see both the Junior and Adult National Championships, as well as the Australian Masters, with elite and aspiring elite players participating.

“You’ll see a vast array of competitors here and they’ll be the best in each of their division,” tournament director and Tenpin Bowling Australia Board member Morty Douglass said.

“It’s the pinnacle of the sport, where the athletes can compete against their own age group.”

Mr Douglass said although recent COVID-19 restrictions had impacted the number of states and participants in this year’s championships, the competition was still shaping up to showcase the county’s best tenpin bowlers.

“Community sport is really important and it’s not just important for the community, it’s important for mental health and for these kids to get them active, so it ticks all the boxes that Tasmania has been able to get this event off the ground,” he said.

Minister for Hospitality and Events Sarah Courtney said the Tasmanian Government through Events Tasmania had committed a total of $395,000 in funding over three years for Tasmania to host the Australian National Championships.

“It’s really exciting for Tasmanian bowlers, but I also know the visitors that are coming here from interstate are really enjoying their time here in Tasmania,” she said.

“I hope all the competitors enjoy their visit to Tasmania, and take the time to get out and about and sample our excellent hospitality venues which will provide a boost to the local economies.”