4 December 2024

Bowls Australia (BA) has been awarded the 2024 ASPAs Win Well award at a gala ceremony in Melbourne.

BA’s Performance Director and National Coach Gary Willis was thrilled for the sport’s staff and athletes, in particular Commonwealth Games siler medallist Serena Bonell who also won the Community Engagement Award.

“We’re incredibly fortunate to have an amazing group of staff and athletes, who have not only made us a very successful country on the green, but who have bought into a ‘people first, player second’ ideology that’s fundamental to making sure our people are elite on the green and elite in life as well,” Willis said.

“We’ve strived to operate a fully integrated and inclusive program and have built a culture of shared values that helps athletes lead balanced lives and fostered a sense of belonging by celebrating individual and personal milestones as well as success on the green.

"Serena’s significant work has shone a light on para bowls and has been instrumental in encouraging inclusivity in the bowls community, and the Jackaroos players and support staff applaud her for her tireless work and congratulate her on her deserving recognition.”

BA’s CEO Matthew Kennedy acknowledged the valued contribution and support provided by the Australian Institute of Sport and Australian Sports Commission.

“As an organisation and sport, we’re thrilled that our High Performance team have been recognised by the AIS at this function for the coveted Win Well Award, and we applaud Serena for her amazing contribution that saw her recognised as the Athlete Community Engagement Award recipient,” Kennedy said.

“We express our sincere appreciation to the Australian Institute of Sport and Australian Sports Commission for this Award and for their much-valued funding and other support that is instrumental in our success both on and off the green, enabling our ability to win well.”

Visit the AIS website to learn more about the other 2024 ASPAs winners.