RADNOR Indoor Bowling Stadium played host to the Para Bowls Development Day on April 2.
The event was organised by Gerwyn Owen from Disability Sport Wales and John Wilson of the Welsh Bowls Federation in conjunction with Radnor Indoor Bowls Stadium.
Bowlers arrived from all over Wales. Gerwyn and John welcomed everyone to the stadium, they explained that the day was to encourage people with visual impairment and physical disabilities to play bowls and develop their potential with support and coaching.
They also watched and assessed bowlers during the day with the purpose to select a team comprising of both visual impaired and physically disabled bowlers to participate in the home countries competition in June this year. This will be held in Glasgow’s Kelvin Grove, the venue of the 2014 Commonwealth Games bowling activities.
Approximately 40 bowlers attended the event which gave them the opportunity to meet other bowlers, play bowls with coaches and volunteers alongside giving advice and support.
The whole event was relaxed and informal, allowing bowlers to ask questions to Gerwyn and John about the future development of bowling for the Visually Impaired and Para bowlers in Wales, other topics covered were classification for bowlers with disabilities and eligibility to play in competitions.
John said: "The day proved there was a need for such an event . It turned out to be an unprecedented success with more than one hundred persons including players coaches and volunteers attending.
"It was for me personally a heartwarming occasion that has given me further inspiration to ensure that Bowls is inclusive & available at the majority of bowling clubs throughout Wales.
"Disability Sport Wales are being very supportive , they have proven to me that they are truly committed to transforming peoples lives through the power of sport.Already they have stated they are very keen to repeat a similar event which will be held in the Swansea area within the coming weeks."
The day was a great success, bowlers with disabilities were able to play against each other, make new acquaintances, share experiences and network with each other. For many it was the first time they were able to meet bowlers who, like themselves, have had to overcome obstacles in order to pursue their sport.
John added: "Everyone attending the event thoroughly enjoyed the special day , there were indeed very many compliments stating they felt inspired and enthused to participate in the sport from now on and it is my intention to ensure there are opportunities for them to do just that."