THE Gloucester Bowling Club will host the NSW/ACT Blind Bowls State Championship from Friday 19 to Sunday 21 September, welcoming 22 blind and vision impaired players and their “Directors”.
Lawn bowls is considered one of the most inclusive sports, with blind and vision impaired participants subject to the same rules as sighted players.
Vision impaired players must have a “Director” – a sighted person who acts as the “eyes” for a visually impaired bowler, providing verbal instructions, physical cues, and feedback on the player’s shot and its placement relative to the jack. Directors also assist with positioning the bowler on the mat, guiding them on where to aim, and relaying information about where the bowl lands.
The Championship is an open event with both Singles and Pairs games being played.
Play will commence at 9am each day and conclude at 5pm on Friday and Saturday and 12pm on Sunday.
“Everyone is welcome to come along to support these incredible players, appreciate their diverse abilities and witness the bonds, friendships and support that blind lawn bowls provide for participants,” said Gloucester Bowling Club President Stephen Hurworth.
Gloucester Women’s Bowls Treasurer Suzanne Cross said it was a privilege for the club to host the championship, recognising the efforts of local blind bowling champion Jim Grech in making it possible.
Suzanne hopes the tournament will shine a spotlight on both lawn bowls and the Gloucester region, particularly in the aftermath of floods.
“This year has been very tough for the town as we were inundated with floods,” she said.
“The Bowling Club was surrounded by flood waters which then impacted onto our green and the playing fields.”
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