THERE’S a bright future ahead of 18-year-old bowler Damon Bartholomeusz as he took home his first gold medal at the Queensland State Multi Disability Championships held earlier this month.
He competed in the Open Life Stream Pairs division alongside his partner Glen Holmes and finished 23 shots to 8 shots for the gold medal match.
Training for three months leading up to the event, Damon’s concentration is what took him to the podium.
He said that he was shocked to receive first place but felt that his many efforts paid off.
The pair was showered with support from Damon’s mother, Kelly Bartholomeusz, and his coach, Serena Bonnell.
Even though Serena was in Vanuatu at the time, she didn’t miss the opportunity to tune into the livestream of the grand finale.
“She was messaging me on my phone when he was having a bit of difficulties, and she said, ‘Tell him to try this’ – it was pretty cool,” Kelly said.
Damon first played in the state championships last year, still making it to the podium in second place.
Kelly says that she appreciated Glen pairing with Damon and praised their efforts to take home the gold.
“Glen’s main focus was that he wanted to win for Damon, so he was so supportive of him and played brilliantly,” she said.
Damon has been a para bowler for more than two years and his goal is to play for the national team in lawn bowls – the Australian Para Jackaroos.
Damon’s love for the sport blossomed after he was introduced to bowls from the support group Mountain Mates in 2023.
He soon joined the Tamborine Mountain Bowls Club and is now playing at Helensvale as well.
He has made life-long friendships through bowls, and he even plays the occasional games with his family.
“It’s a really great family sport because it’s one of those sports that people of all ages can play,” Kelly said.
She says that their family has entered a as a team before, but Damon prefers playing alone.
“He’s in that teenage stage where parents aren’t cool,” Kelly joked.
Damon continues to work towards his goal of becoming a Jackaroo and hopes to take more gold medals home along the way.
