Ten bowlers off to the Disabled National Championships
‘Every bowler participating has worked very hard to qualify’
Ten visually impaired bowlers from various parts of the West Rand will be competing in the upcoming Disability National Championships.
The championships will be taking place from 26 May to 2 June in George. Derek Carter, the chairperson of the Central Gauteng Association (CGA) for the blind and partially sighted explained, “We are joint champions with the team from Peninsula, and this year we are aiming to end the championships as the sole winners.”
The team consists of 10 visually impaired bowlers (ranging from partially sighted to totally blind) and 10 directors that assist them.
The visually impaired bowlers compete in four different categories, based on their level of sight, and Karin Gouws, the vice-chairperson of CGA, explained, “If you are in category B1, it means you are totally blind, B2 will be for those who have some sight, and B3 and B4 will be for those who are partially sighted.”
The team members try to practise as often as possible, and when they cannot meet at the Discovery Bowling Club, they train on their own at their respective clubs.
Derek said that he believes they are well prepared and will be bringing back some medals this year. He said, “At last year’s Nationals, we bagged eight medals, and we would really like to improve on that this year.”
The bowlers and directors who will be travelling to George are: Derek Carter, Karin Gouws, Brandt Steenkamp, Joey Janse van Rensburg, Reg Small, Debbie Fitzpatrick, Jessica Grib, Pieter de Beer, Johannes Grib, Lulu Kritsinger, Ernest Watkins, Ansie Carter, Chris van der Merwe, Magda van der Merwe, Gladys Mbele, Gerhard Gous, Salomé Morries, Jaco Ludick, Tracey Smith and Tommy Smith.
Derek concluded by saying, “Even though it is a huge honour to be able to compete at the Nationals, the costs are quite high, and, with the majority of the bowlers being unemployed, it is quite a difficult task to be able to compete. We have held extensive fundraising events to date, and the Lions Club of Krugersdorp has been very generous so far, but, should there be someone who wants to help us with any donation, please contact me on 082 873 8449 or Karin on 082 745 8480.”
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