State Advisory Committee Profile: Lesley Constable

By TBANSW
April 13, 2021

Meet Lesley.

Established in December 2020, The TBA NSW State Advisory Committee is a state leadership structure made up of various members from across the Tenpin Bowling community. The Committee is devoted to providing high-level support, leadership, and direction across several essential sporting and organisational portfolio areas within the state of NSW.

Tenpinnsw.org.au will be profiling members of the newly established Committee to highlight some of the key people who have put their hand up to help the sport progress within the state.

This week we profile Lesley Constable.

WHO ARE YOU? – TELL US A LITTLE BIT ABOUT YOUR BACKGROUND ACROSS THE SPORT IN NSW.

My name is Lesley Constable, and I am actively involved with the Disability Sector of NSW Ten Pin Bowling.

My son has been involved with the sport for many years, originally bowling with an abled-bodied league at AMF Hornsby. He then joined the Disabled League (The Hornsby Rockets – which has been established for over 31 years), and I became involved soon after by being given the privileged roles of League Vice President, League President, Administrator and Coach. I have held many of these positions since 2012 and plan to provide as much as I can to Disabled Bowlers.

When we bowled at Hornsby, we had over 40 members in our League ranging in age from 17 to 79 years with many types of disabilities ranging from Cerebral Palsy, Down Syndrome, Williams Syndrome, Autism, Visual Impairments, Deafness, and a wide range of Intellectual Disabilities. Unfortunately, the Hornsby alley closed, forcing our athletes to look for another venue that was TBA recognised. Our closest was Rooty Hill, so we signed up, but many of our athletes could not join us due to travel and other constraints.

The Rockets, as we are now known, have been involved in many competitions throughout the years, travelling to places such as Illawarra, Maitland, Orange, Brisbane, Adelaide, Perth, Melbourne, Hobart, Canberra, as well as other local competitions. We hold our own “Invitational” in August of each year for all disabled bowlers to attend.

In 2019, the National Disability Championships were run in Tuggeranong. It was States Day, and the organisers were extremely busy with this part of the competition. My Club was bowling alongside, so I offered to “run” the championship for the bowlers who were not competing in the State competition. This went extremely well, and the organisers were most appreciative as usually there are not many “helpers” with the disabled competitions and Leagues.

I have, over the years, completed my Managers Course as well as the Level 1 and Bronze Coaching Course, of which I personally gain great satisfaction when I see a bowler “get a strike” or even knock down a few pins.

I have, over the years: collated entries for competitions, organised buses to get our bowlers to local events (as some parents are unable to drive), arranged itineraries for our National trips interstate, contacted airlines for travel arrangements for our bowlers and their bowling balls especially if we require a DPL (disability passenger lift for those unable to use the stairs), formulated buses for travel from our accommodation to the alley, arranged accommodation, meals and day/social trips, help design and supply our League shirts, assisted the Disability Sub Committee with the organisation of the Nationals when they were held in Sydney, videoed bowlers who required coaching and guided them with correction of their bowling techniques, coached the NSW Disability State Teams and liaised with parents/carers to ensure the bowlers are given the best opportunity and assistance.  

WHEN WAS THE TBA NSW STATE ADVISORY COMMITTEE FORMED/ WHEN DID YOU BECOME INVOLVED?

The current TBA NSW State Advisory Committee was formed in early December 2020, and I became involved when I contacted TBA enquiring as to when the Disabled State Championships were to be held – this is when Jalen Timms contacted me as they needed some guidance with the Disabled Sector.

Before this committee began, I was involved with the TBA NSW Disability Sub Committee, a well-organised team of volunteer workers who organised many disabled competitions, including State Championships, Masters and Roll Offs, before we combined with the other divisions of the organisation. This committee was forced to disband, but hopefully, we can reconnect this missing link.  

WHAT ACTIVE ROLES DO YOU CURRENTLY LOOK AFTER, ENGAGE IN, OR PARTICIPATE IN DRIVING OUTCOMES ACROSS WITHIN THE TBA NSW STATE ADVISORY COMMITTEE?

Currently, I am advising the committee about the Disabled sector as their requirements and demands are “different” from able-bodied bowlers. I am hoping that the Disabled Sector can become more recognised and supported by organisations.

WHAT BENEFITS DOES THIS COMMITTEE HAVE AND HOW WILL IT POSITIVELY DRIVE THE ASSOCIATION OF NSW TENPIN BOWLING FORWARD AS WE EMBARK ON THE FUTURE OF THE SPORT?

The committee has many benefits in that it is an avenue whereby members can ask questions and voice their opinions. If everything remains transparent to all members, they should enjoy a powerful NSW TBA.

If you would like to hear more about the TBA NSW State Advisory Committee or if you would like to get involved, we would like to hear from you!

To find out more regarding this group, please email TBA NSW State Development Manager on [email protected]

Tags:

Related