By Bridie Byrne
CASSIE Staudinger certainly knows how to strike out the competition.
The 21-year-old bowler was the July recipient of the Mayoral Young Potential Award Grant, which recognises and promotes the positive achievements of young people.
Ms Staudinger, 21, said the $500 cheque would help to cover training and equipment for the remainder of the year.
“First I applied to the council to see if I could get some funding or sponsorship because I was going to America for the 2008 World Youth Tenpin Bowling Championships,” she said.
“I was told to apply for the grant, but I didn’t expect to win and I found out when I came back to Australia.”
At the championships the Hoppers Crossing resident was placed in the top 50.
“I was happy with the result because a lot of countries overseas, particularly Asian countries, do bowling full time,” she said.
“For me it’s more than a hobby but I have uni and I have to work.
“Bowling is much bigger in Europe than in Australia.
“People overseas don’t have to pay a cent to represent their country.”
Despite the funding obstacles, her passion for the sport has never wavered.
“I went bowling for the first time when I was 12 at a friend’s birthday party,” she said.
“When I was younger I played a lot of different sports but nothing ever stuck until I started bowling.
“I eventually joined the Werribee SuperBowl Development squad and had training every Monday and we would go around Victoria to play in regional events.”
In 2004 she began to represent Australia at the junior and youth levels.
“At the Asian Youth Tenpin Bowling Championships I won a gold in the doubles and team and bronze in singles,” she said
“Even though bowling is not the only thing I do, it is what I love to do and I take pride in it.”
Wyndham mayor Kim McAliney said Cassie was recognised for her achievements and potential in the field of tenpin bowling.
“Cassie’s numerous achievements demonstrate her talent in this field and potential to continue achieving into the future,” she said.
Successful grant applicants will be contenders for the Young Achiever of the Year Award.
