Tom Venning (Grey, Liberal Party) Share this | Hansard source

I rise today to acknowledge an exceptional athlete from my electorate of Grey—Jarrad Olsen. Jarrad from the Balaklava Bowling Club is an intellectually disabled bowler whose talent and determination are truly worthy of recognition. Jarrad has won the state ID singles titles four years in a row. What makes this so remarkable are the barriers that ID bowlers like Jarrad constantly face. Not only does Jarrad face limited opportunities due to his disability; like for many regional athletes, there is significant financial cost.

Sport in regional SA isn't merely a dash up the road. There are road trips that often feel longer than the season itself. It is disappointing that support for regional athletes remains limited and, in Jarrad's case, virtually not existent. A postcode shouldn't define opportunities. That is why it is important to raise awareness of these barriers, not just for Jarrad but for thousands of athletes across my electorate who deserve the same opportunities as those in our capital cities.

On a final note, I want to briefly highlight the Bowls for Brisbane 2032 campaign. If brought to fruition, bowlers like Jarrad could be competing at the Olympics and Paralympic Games for the first time since 1996. How good would that be?

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