A Lethbridge bowling league is not letting a disability prevent competitors from having fun. Once a week these bowlers come together on the lanes to knock some pins down. Sarah Redekop joined them for an afternoon of fun.
The quality of their eyesight may not be perfect, but these people’s lives are “rolling along” just fine, anyway. Every Tuesday afternoon, visually impaired bowlers from Lethbridge can be found at Holiday Bowl. Volunteers pick them up from their homes and provide them with assistance on the lanes. Matthew Hoare has been bowling in the league for four years. He says it’s nice to get out and do something fun. “Well I think it’s a good outing. I’m fortunate I’m able to get out of the house and stuff. But like I say, I’ve met a lot of good people here, and some of them this is their only outing.”
Lack of vision does not impair their ability to bowl. Bowler Darlene Rourke managed to earn a Turkey pin, recognition for recording three consecutive strikes.
JoAnne Cairns, says it’s an opportunity for the bowlers to socialize in a non-competitive way. “…Being able to come out and spend an afternoon. You bowl against yourself, you’re not bowling against the other bowlers.
“…We have a roll-off at the end of the year and you bowl against your own score.” Hoare says it’s a nice outing that provides them with an opportunity to socialize. “This means a lot to them to be able to come out and get together with other blind people. Just to come out and share ideas with an activity where you’re all equal.” The bowling league is sponsored by the Lions Club. The funding helps keep the costs down. At the end of the year they put on a banquet for the Lions Club to show their appreciation.
The bowling league runs from September to April. Anyone interested in volunteering or joining can contact Bill at the Lethbridge Association of the Blind.
