More success rolls in for Barry

BY MICHELLE TAIT

FORMER member of Sebastopol Bowling Club, Josh Barry, has been recognised at the Bowls Australia Awards night winning the Bolton Clarke Bowler with a Disability of the Year Award.

It’s the second time Barry has taken home the trophy, having also been honoured in 2016.

Barry is a fantastic role model for all bowlers and has had a successful career with many highlights, especially this season.

At the Multi Disability Championships in Bendigo he secured a gold medal in the Pairs and a silver in the Singles. He was also chosen as captain for the Multi Disability National Championships in MacKay, winning the B7/8 Singles and Pairs titles and Open Triples crown.

Being a member of the Jackaroo’s Para-Sport Squad representing Australia on a tour of the UK this year was yet another highlight. Currently Barry represents Deer Park Bowling Club where he was part of the winning state Fours championship team.

Barry travels five hours each way weekly from Warracknabeal to Ballarat and onto Deer Park. He communities via buses and trains to attend Thursday night practice and to play Pennant in the Premiers Division.  He is the first to admit that without the help and support of his family and extended Ballarat bowls family he would struggle to do what he does.

He loves the sport and will continue travelling as far as he has to with the aim of achieving his goals.  His biggest goal is to make the Commonwealth Games team and the way he is bowling and presenting himself he’s got an extremely good chance of reaching that goal.