Crafts Rollers bring joy and belonging to special needs bowlers

A new inclusive sports initiative is rolling out, bringing hope, connection, and fun to young people with special needs in Alberton.

The Crafts Rollers, a bowling group for individuals with autism, dyslexia, and Down syndrome, recently held its second session at Brackenhurst Bowling Club on May 26.

This heart-warming initiative is the brainchild of Andrie Oosthuizen, founder of Creative Crafts and Catering, and Warren Ciorovich of Brackenhurst Bowling Club.

The group meets every Monday from 11:00 to 12:00 at the club, offering a safe and structured environment for participants to learn, play, and grow.

“Warren is also Noah’s uncle. Noah is with Creative Crafts and Catering, and they have both been bowling casually for about six to eight months. I asked his mom what she thought about starting a team for people with special needs, and she loved the idea,” explained Oosthuizen.

“Warren supported it too, and they even offered to open the club on Mondays, when it’s usually closed, just for our team. That’s how Crafts Rollers started.”

What sets this group apart is not just its inclusive spirit but also the team of dedicated coaches, including Elrich de Villiers, a bowler with mosaic Down syndrome, who plays an active coaching role.

Elrich’s journey with bowls began over two decades ago.

Though he faced exclusion at some clubs in his early years, he found a home at Brackenhurst, where he now bowls regularly, trains a few times a week, and competes in club competitions.

His mother, Corrie de Villiers, shared that although there are leagues for physically disabled bowlers, opportunities for mentally disabled bowlers are scarce.

“He can’t compete in EKB events because there are no categories for mental disabilities – only for physical ones. But he’s happy at the club. He plays tabs, practices often, and recently even beat his father in a handicap competition,” said Corrie.

Elrich, who is in his late 40s, has become a role model for the group.

“They don’t give me a hard time because I’m older,” he said with a smile.

His mom added, “He speaks both Afrikaans and English, just a bit slower but he understands everything. The group respects and understands him.”

The Crafts Rollers team is guided by a supportive group of coaches, including Desire Hidé, Corrie and Elrich de Villiers, Jacques le Grange, and Warren Ciorovich.

The club provides bowls and coaching support, making it easier for newcomers to get involved.

“I’m new to all of this,” said Oosthuizen. “When I asked the club if we needed to buy bowls, they said we could use theirs. That was so kind of them.”

Crafts Rollers is a natural extension of the work done by Creative Crafts and Catering, a charity based in General Alberts Park.

Located at 24 Hibiscus Avenue, the organisation has been empowering children with autism and Down syndrome through art and entrepreneurship for over three years.

“We provide training to special needs children of school-leaving age to help them generate their own income,” said Oosthuizen.

“They learn life skills, painting, marketing, and even run their own little ‘businesses.’ Each child names their business and is the CEO of it.”

The centre runs weekdays from 08:00 to 15:00, providing meals and a safe, stimulating environment.

Oosthuizen said the transformation in the children has been significant: “Their self-confidence, communication, and social skills have grown so much. Some have even moved on to full-time employment.”

Her vision is to see more sports clubs embracing individuals with mental disabilities.

“There should be bowling clubs specifically for people with Down syndrome, autism, and dyslexia. These kids deserve their own space in sport.”

Those interested in joining or supporting the Crafts Rollers can contact Andrie Oosthuizen at 073 135 3570.