She Runs The Game – Kelly Gillis

When I was a teenager, I was looking for a way to meet new people my own age, and that’s how I stumbled upon bowling. At first I wasn’t very good, but I was determined to get better. I practiced and practiced, and over time, I improved my game.

One of my fondest memories of bowling was getting together with bowlers from Sydney to compete in the Australian Open during the Queen’s Birthday long weekend. It was always a fun and competitive event, and I loved the thrill of playing against other skilled bowlers from around the country.

After many years of bowling, I felt it was time to give back to the club and make a difference, so I joined the committee. It was a way for me to use my experience and knowledge to contribute to the club’s growth and success. I also had the opportunity to coach juniors with another fellow bowler, passing on my skills and experience to the next generation.

Throughout the year, our club hosts bowling tournaments, and it’s always an exciting time to compete against other clubs. Winning a tournament is an incredible feeling that fills me with pride and a sense of accomplishment. Two trophies really stand out to me. The first one was from winning my first doubles tournament – it was so exciting and a huge accomplishment. The other stand-out moment was winning the club women’s championship trophy last year, as I hadn’t won a tournament for a while. Both of these wins were very special to me and reminded me of how far I have come as a bowler.

In 2011, I received the honour of ‘Life Membership’ for the bowling club, which was a fantastic acknowledgment of my dedication and commitment to the club over the years. Bowling has been a part of my life for many years, and I am grateful for the friendships, memories, and achievements that have come with it. Tenpin bowling has been a big part of my life, and I can’t imagine my life without it.