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Bowls New Zealand is proud to support Bowling for Brains - a national community fundraising initiative in partnership with the Neurological Foundation that brings people together through bowls while helping raise vital funds for neurological research in Aotearoa.
What is Bowling for Brains? Bowling for Brains is a fun, low-key fundraising initiative designed to connect people for a meaningful purpose - supporting research into neurological conditions and raising awareness about brain health. Originally piloted across retirement villages in Aotearoa, the initiative proved both meaningful and impactful. It brought together social connection, physical activity, and fundraising in a way that really resonated with participants and their families. Now, bowls clubs across the country have the opportunity to be part of it too.
It’s great to see this wonderful community embracing Bowling for Brains. Not only are they raising funds for life changing research and education into neurological conditions, they’re also being active and social – two things that are known to help prevent or delay diseases like dementia
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The Neurological Foundation’s CEO, Rich Easton
About the Neurological Foundation
Bowling for Brains supports the Neurological Foundation, a New Zealand charity dedicated to funding world-class research into the brain, spine and nervous systems.
For more than 50 years, the Foundation has supported researchers, clinicians and scientists working to better understand neurological conditions, improve treatments, and build a healthier future for New Zealanders. The research we fund spans a wide range of conditions, including stroke, dementia, Parkinson’s disease, epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, motor neuron disease, migraine, brain injuries and many more.
Every donation made through Bowling for Brains helps fund the next generation of neurological research right here in Aotearoa - research that has the potential to change lives now and for generations to come.
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Why It Matters
Neurological conditions affect 1 in 3 New Zealanders, and they’re more common than many people realise.
These conditions include things many of us are familiar with - such as:
• Stroke
• Dementia and Alzheimer’s disease
• Parkinson’s disease
• Epilepsy
• Multiple sclerosis
• Motor neuron disease
• Migraine
• Traumatic brain injuries
They can affect how people think, move, feel, and live day-to-day - not just for individuals, but for families and communities too.
That’s why ongoing research and brain health are so important.
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Bowls NZ Backing the Initiative
Bowls New Zealand is proud to support Bowling for Brains because it reflects everything our sport stands for - connection, inclusion, wellbeing, and community impact.
Bowls naturally supports brain health. Research shows that physical activity, balance, coordination, and continued learning all contribute positively to brain function and healthy ageing.
When you add in the strong social connections within clubs, bowls becomes more than just a game - it becomes part of the solution.
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How Clubs Can Get Involved
One of the best things about Bowling for Brains is how simple it is to get involved. Clubs can tailor an event to suit their community by:
• Hosting a morning or afternoon tea
• Running a social bowls day or adding games to an existing competition
• Inviting members, whānau, and the wider community to take part
• Raising funds through donations, entry fees, or raffles
Clubs are supported with resources including event materials, promotional tools, and fundraising packs - making it easy to get started.
Whether a club raises a few hundred dollars or more, every contribution helps support critical neurological research.
Visit: Neurological Foundation of New Zealand : Bowling for Brains to register your club and access everything you need to host a Bowling for Brains event.
Together, we can raise awareness, support life-changing research, and make a real difference in communities across Aotearoa.
105A Jervois Road, Herne Bay
Auckland, New Zealand
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