Disability bowling in the limelight at Stamford

Stamford's Head Coach, John Little said it was an interesting and informative day where he (and fellow coach Helen Holroyd) were encouraged to see the game from the perspective of the disabled person. In turn, it enabled coaches to appreciate how they can assist disabled bowlers to reach their goals to become fully functioning and competitive or social bowlers.

Experiences at Stamford have already shown that it is perfectly feasible for people with many different disabilities to derive a great deal of enjoyment, satisfaction and achievement from the sport. Seeing a blind player deliver their bowl adjacent to the jack is a true inspiration to the sighted bowler.

Club Chairman and coach Keith Rippin, has previously undertaken training to teach disabled and said he was delighted to be able to work with Disability Bowls England and the Bowls Development Alliance in offering the club's facility for this event where information was also given on how Stamford can qualify for a Disability Kitemark.

Coaches were also given the opportunity to try out for themselves some of the various aids that can be used to assist the disabled bowler, including a mechanical arm extension which can deliver a bowl smoothly on to the surface either from a wheelchair or a free-standing position. Stamford has already has two wheelchairs suitable for those with mobility issues to use and use has been made of these for some time to good effect. KR