Bowls for blind and partially sighted people
Bowls is a game which is very suited totally blind and partially sighted players, as only very minor adaptations need to be made. Visually impaired bowlers can play singles, pairs, triples or in teams of four.
Blind and partially sighted bowls video below
There is no reason why visually impaired bowlers can’t play against fully sighted players and they often do. It is a sport for people of all ages.
Outside bowls continue, weather permitting! Unfortunately we cannot go indoors because the indoor Green is not open yet due to works being undertaken
Quick link to bowls event list: https://blindsport.uk/bowls
Want to Try Blind and Partially Sighted Bowls?
If anyone is tempted to join us or just wants to know more about blind and partially sighted bowls, please get in touch with Lucy simper
Contact: lucy.simper@metroblindsport.org or Phone: 07966 260089
Interested in becoming a Bowls Volunteer?
Wilbert has asked if any members or partners would like to help the bowlers at station collections or to volunteer at the bowling sessions, they would be warmly welcomed.
Bowls Volunteer Role description – Word Document http://bit.ly/2j7ZAtK
Metro Blind Sports Subsidy Information
Vision Impaired Bowls
Although this skilful and fascinating game has been around for centuries, it was not until 1959 that the bowls started rolling for the blind, in Scotland.
Today, we use the ‘clock method’. The ‘marker’, who is stationed beyond the ‘jack’, indicates to those at the mat end, at what angle and distance from the ‘jack’ the bowl has come to rest. The ‘jack’ is the centre of the clock. So, six o’clock would be in front and twelve o’clock behind, with all other positions being relative to the clock. From the information given by the ‘marker’ the player can build up a mental picture of the ‘head’ (area around the jack), knowing exactly the position of each bowl.
The only small concession made to blind players is that a fine white centre string runs under the mat and is fixed at both ends. This is to help the bowler to judge the angle for the amount of green required.
These minor variations enable blind and sighted people to play together as they do not alter in any way the basic game (or the Bowls England rules).
From the beginning of May until the end of September we play outdoors on grass, then for the rest of the year, we play indoors on carpet.
Metro activities
Metro has helped to send many of our bowlers to the tournaments arranged all around England, the UK and abroad, through paying tournament fees; and subsidising accommodation, travel and kit.
Bowls Tournaments 2021
N.B. All events are subject to Coronavirus restrictions and may be cancelled at short notice.
- Various DBE Outdoor events 2021 Further Details .
A Guide for Coaches for Vision Impaired Bowls
DOWNLOAD: VI Lawn Bowls – Coaching for Coaches by ©David J Stott
Our Station Collections need You!
Every year our Bowlers travel to the Mainline stations list below, with collection boxes and bucket in hand and kindly help raise funds, so that Metro blind Sport can keep sharing, supplying and funding fun, sporting opportunities for individuals with a visual impairment.
As always would appreciate any volunteers, Members, Guide dogs always welcomed, who are willing to shake a tin or help get friendly passers-by to scan our QR code as they rush past! If you have any spare time on the day below, please let Wilbert know detail below.
Below is List of the station collection venues
- Liverpool Street station
- Waterloo station
- Victoria station
- Fenchurch Street
For the meeting area and to arrange your time availability please call Wilbert Below
Contact: Wilbertwilliams433@msn.com or call 07956 352 199
Donation Link Here: https://blindsport.uk/Donate
Metro Blind Sports Social Networks
Get all the latest blind & partially sighted event information & news as soon as we do!
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Metro Blind Sport membership: more info or Join here