Unique bowling tournament raises money for visually impaired players
A special bowling tournament was presented last week at the Harlequins club in Groenkloof during which money was collected for the Visually Impaired Bowlers of SA.
It is common knowledge that the bowling community of Pretoria right across the spectrum is indeed a very tight-knit group of people.
Many casual as well as more serious league-bound bowlers play the sport because of the social benefits and opportunity to make friends on and off the court.
Bowlers also like to reach out to the less fortunate and help them where needed. The Harlequins bowling club has found a unique way to do their part to make life a little easier for disabled bowlers.
Photo: Koos Venter
The disabled bowlers in question here are specifically those who are visually impaired.
After the club had the privilege of hosting the national championship for disabled bowlers earlier this year, the initiative arose among Harlequins players to do something to help disabled players. It was then decided that a tournament should be presented to raise money for the organization called ‘Visually Impaired Bowlers of SA’ (VIBSA).
The group of Quins bowlers put their heads together and decided on a tournament themed “Three Blind Mice”, in which non-disabled players could participate, provided they wear specially treated glasses that completely block their vision.
Photo: Koos Venter
Members from clubs all over Pretoria and even as far away as Mooinooi in North West (a club that also resorts under the jurisdiction of Bowls Gauteng North) signed up to support this good initiative. Eventually 72 entries were received.
These players had great fun on the court last weekend by not only playing as if they have a disability (with the help of the treated glasses), but several participants also took the opportunity to take the “Three Blind Mice” theme further by dressing up in accordance with the theme. Mouse ears, masks and cheerful mouse outfits were therefore seen everywhere.
It was a long day in very hot weather on the track for the participants, but for each of them it was worth it and a pleasure to do their part for the benefit of VIBSA. Ultimately the project was very successful and a total amount of R20 650 was collected to pay over to the visually impaired bowlers.
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