Clubs to benefit from ‘Roll Back Clock’ funding

The Roll Back the Clock initiative is expected to run 180 programs over 40 locations across Australia and aims to encourage physical activity through bowls and light exercise.

Bowls Australia has yet to announce specific locations that will directly benefit from the grant, but did say they ‘‘would definitely be taking the program to regional Victoria.’’

Benalla Bowls Club secretary Graham Moore encouraged anyone over 60 to take up the sport as ‘‘it’s a great way to stay active and keep the mind strong,’’ and said that you don’t necessarily need to play competitively.

‘‘It’s up to you what you want to do. You can just play social days and enjoy yourselves,’’ Moore said.

‘‘For the over 60s, lose or draw they don’t care. The win is an extra.’’

Research shows that only 25per cent of those aged over 65 are meeting the Department of Health’s recommendation of 30 minutes of physical activity per day.

Group sports like bowls are also shown to have major social benefits.

‘‘You see old friends, sit down and have a beer after the game. It’s fantastic,’’ Moore said.

‘‘That’s the idea of bowls; it’s mateship.’’