The Illawarra Star Strikers, a local ten-pin bowling team for players with disabilities, has been awarded a $2500 grant from Carl's Jr. Warrawong as part of the fast-food chain's Community Club Cash Bonanza initiative.
"We never expected to win – we still can't believe it!" says team organiser Kim Waters.
Kim has been working with the Star Strikers for 25 years, fundraising to help the team travel and compete in tournaments around the country.
"Fundraising is very hard in this day and age, because everyone is in the same boat at the moment,” Kim says.
"We can't thank Carl's Jr enough, because we fundraise virtually 52 weeks of the year. The prize is a fantastic boost, because it takes a bit of the pressure off."
The team is preparing for a tournament in Perth in June 2025, and the grant will help to cover essential costs.
"The entry fees are quite expensive for these competitions," Kim says.
"They'll bowl from early in the morning till late at night. It'll help subsidise their bowling balls, their shoes, new shirts and uniforms – there's a lot involved.
"We try to organise social things as well – it's not just bowling. The tournaments are often interstate, so we always try to stay an extra day and organise something special, like a dinner for the team."
Illawarra Star Strikers are a dedicated team, bowling for 48 weeks a year, and members offer each other support in all areas of life.
“They’re more like brothers and sisters than teammates,” Kim says.
“They’ve all been together for so long, and they’re all there for one another. We’ve travelled the country together. They help each other and they all know each other's capabilities. It’s a great group to be part of.”
The Star Strikers will continue to fundraise for the betterment of their team, with regular pie drives, merchandise sales and major raffles. Coming up in March 2025, the team will hold their annual Illawarra Bowling Tournament.
“That brings about 150 bowlers and their families from all over. All of the different places we travel to, they have the chance to come visit us here in the Illawarra.” Kim says.
“We all just get in and give it a go. We try to think of new ideas and anything we can think of, we do.”
