Homer wins gold for South Africa
May Homer excelled at the recent International Blind Bowls Association World Bowls Championship.
Northmead Bowling Club member May Homer recently won two gold medals for South Africa at the International Blind Bowls Association World Bowls Championship.
The championship was held in Worthing, England, from July 8 to 18, and May, who is partially sighted, competed and placed first in the B3 women’s category and also won gold in the B3 Mixed Pairs category, with Herman Scholtz.
She was accompanied by her husband, Paul, who is also her director meaning that he acts as her eyes on the green and provides advice.
May, who is a Northmead resident, said: “The competition was very stiff and every single game that we played counted.
“I had to put my head down and concentrate hard.”
Ten countries participated in the championship and May said that the competitors from Israel and Australia were the toughest opponents.
“I decided that I was going to do the best that I can and play one bowl at a time and see what happens,” she said.
“I tried very hard not to get stressed and to stay focused.”
May said that the competition was a lot of fun and that it was great
to be a member of Team South Africa, who achieved six gold and three silver medals.
“We had great team spirit and it was a pleasure to play for the best
team,” she added.
The gold medallist has been playing bowls since 2005 and said: “Bowls is a mind game that requires concentration and focus.
“Playing bowls is the best thing I have ever done in my life.”
Her goal going forward is to compete in the 2014 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland.
Speaking of her achievement, Paul said: “All credit must go to May, who did all the hard work.
“She practised slavishly and kept her head down when she needed to.”
The pair thanked their sponsors, who assisted in getting them to the championship, including Galitos Northmead and the Royal Antediluvian Order of Buffaloes.
