Young bowler in Comm Games spotlight

YOUNG Inverleigh bowler Harry Coleman has been named Commonwealth Games Australia’s Emerging Athlete of the Month.

Currently playing for a regional squad, the 12-year-old said he’s overwhelmed to receive the recognition.

“I was surprised when I got it because there’s so many people in Australia who want it too,” Harry said.

“My immediate goal right now is to win the under 18s Victorian singles which is being played in April in Sunbury.”

Harry has been playing lawn bowls for five years after having watched his parents take part in the sport.

He currently plays for the Geelong Giants under 18s side, coached by Commonwealth Games alumnus Matt Flapper.

Harry’s father Mark, also a lawn bowls coach, has been playing for 20 years after being influenced by his dad who played at Highton Bowling Club.

Having taught Harry the basics early on, Mr Coleman said his son’s taken to learning the ins and outs of sport “like a sponge.”

“He started in division 10 in Geelong pennant and now he plays premier league which is the highest standard there,” he said.

“I helped develop his mental and physical side of the game. His mum’s played a lot of tournaments with him as well.

“This has really been a family sport for me. I never looked back and now Harry’s got the bug.”

Coleman is also Bowls Australia’s regional bowls manager and said his son’s achievement showcases the sport’s rise in younger players.

“The last couple years since COVID, there’s a lot more juniors over the state,” he said.

“The clubs and national body are working very hard on junior programs so the numbers are looking good. Most have 20-plus members in them.”

Commonwealth Games Australia estimated the number of junior players has increased by 25 per cent since 2010 with more than 30,000 kids taking part in school programs for the sport in 2021.

Harry’s title also netted him $500 as well as being put in the running for Commonwealth Games Australia’s Emerging Athlete of the Year should he be selected as a finalist.

Though his practice schedule dies down over the colder months, Harry normally bowls two to three times a week either in Geelong or Inverleigh.

Next month he’ll try out to join the Sporting Schools Victorian program at Tweed Heads.