FOR visually impaired bowler Keith Orrell, earning national colours is the culmination of decades of determination, resilience and hard work. But as he prepares to represent South Africa at the Commonwealth Games, he is quick to point out that he will not be competing alone.

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Standing beside him will be his director, Durban North resident Trevor Freeman, whose guidance, knowledge and calm approach have become an integral part of Orrell’s success on the green.

The pair have worked together for the past two years and train three times a week, developing the trust and teamwork required to compete at the highest level in visually impaired para bowls.

Orrell said being selected to represent SA was a dream come true.

“There’s excitement all around. Every sportsman wants to take their game to the next level and the Commonwealth Games is the biggest stage in the world for bowlers. I’ve represented South Africa internationally before through the International Bowls for the Disabled, but this is the pinnacle of what we do,” he said.

Born with the genetic condition retinitis pigmentosa, Orrell has experienced progressive vision and hearing loss since birth. At 68, he can only see clearly for about 2m.

He attended Westville Boys’ High School, where he excelled in athletics and rugby before a serious knee injury at the age of 22 ended his rugby career.

His father introduced him to bowls at Collegians more than 40 years ago, but it was only after his eyesight began deteriorating rapidly about a decade ago that he turned to the sport competitively.

“There was a stage where I became depressed as my eyesight got worse, but you have to get on with life. There’s no good sitting around and moping. You have to motivate yourself and keep going,” he said.

A member of Collegians Bowling Club, Orrell became involved in disabled bowls after watching the South African Disabled Championships at the club.

“I asked questions, got involved and went through the classification tests to determine which category I fell into. Don’t sit at home and watch TV.”

Visually impaired bowls relies heavily on teamwork. Freeman acts as Orrell’s director, describing the position of every bowl on the green using a clock-face system and helping him build a mental picture before deciding on each shot.

Everything else comes down to Orrell’s muscle memory.

“We have 40 seconds from when our opponent bowls to step onto the mat and deliver the bowl, so there’s a lot of trust involved,” said Freeman.

A former Springbok ten-pin bowler, Freeman took up bowls about two-and-a-half years ago before becoming Orrell’s director.

“I needed somebody with a strong personality who could think critically, and Trevor made the cut,” said Orrell.

Freeman’s role extends beyond reading the game.

“When Keith gets frustrated with himself, it’s my job to settle him and get him focused on the next shot.”

Orrell said wearing the green and gold was a tremendous honour.

“It’s an honour to wear the South African colours. Trevor has played a massive role in helping me get here. We practise three times a week and put in the extra work that’s needed.”

Preparation for this year’s Games has presented a unique challenge, with the bowls competition being played indoors for the first time.

South Africa has limited access to indoor bowling facilities, forcing the pair to simulate the conditions as best they can while also working with sports psychologists to prepare mentally.

“My personal goal is to win gold. I’m a perfectionist and I’m very hard on myself, so the mental preparation has been important,” said Orrell.

He hopes his journey inspires others living with disabilities to become involved in sport.

“I want to encourage other visually impaired people to get out into the fresh air, enjoy the sunshine, get some vitamin D and become involved in sport. Don’t let your disability stop you from living your life.”

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