Get ready to slip off your shoes and head to the Avenel Bowling Club as the club introduces barefoot bowls later this year.
The club received $3,884 from Council's 2022/23 Community Grants Program - under the Active Healthy Communities category – which was endorsed by Councillors at the recent monthly Council Meeting.
Strathbogie Shire Council Acting Mayor Cr Paul Murray said barefoot bowls provided a relaxed, non-competitive setting for community members to participate in the sport.
"It is aimed the introduction of barefoot bowls will encourage more residents to take part in the sport which offers both healthy benefits as well as social connection," Cr Murray said.
Experienced Avenel Bowling Club members will supervise and support new players during matches which will be followed by a social get-together.
Cr Murray, who has enjoyed bowling an end or two over the years - said barefoot bowls was a great way to encourage the whole community to get involved.
"It is terrific to see that the bowls program will include specialist equipment for anyone with a disability," he said.
"These sessions are a great way for the local community to make connections - which has been difficult during recent years with periods of lockdowns."
Avenel Bowling Club will put the Community Grant funding toward purchasing sets of bowls to bolster the supply as the club expands the barefoot bowls program.
