Unique bowling competition comes to Linlithgow

Aug 18 2011 by Alistair Watson, West Lothian Courier

A UNIQUE bowling competition is due to take place next week at Bellsburn Bowling club in Linlithgow.

Bowlers with a disability will aim to prove their skills against their mainstream counterparts at the inaugural Jack High Insurance International Bowls Exhibition Match.

A pairs tournament is being planned that will see Scotland’s top bowlers with a disability team up with their mainstream equivalents in a showcase event that is aiming to promote bowling to people with a disability.

The showcase is the brainchild of Scottish Disability Sport’s international bowler Gary Clelland.

Gary is a very skilled bowler, who bowls within both mainstream and disability bowling competitions.

Through this competition and through ongoing work with West Lothian Council, Lothian Disability Sport and Scottish Disability Sport Gary wants to raise awareness of bowling as an inclusive activity that people with a disability can get involved in.

Gary Fraser from Lothian Disability Sport said: “The sport is very inclusive with many bowling greens now having improved access around their club houses and out onto the green.

“Clubs are all very welcoming and would be happy to grow their membership no matter of a person’s age, social status or ability.”

The event on August 20 will take the format of two sections of four pairs.

Each pair will consist of one able bodied internationalist and one disabled internationalist. Each section will be played in a round-robin format with the winners of section one playing the runners up of section two and winners of section two playing the runners up of section one in the semi-finals. The winners of each semi-final will then go on to play in the final.

It is hoped that this event will become an annual event and will be used to attract people with a disability to give the sport a try.

Helen Bruce, chairperson of Lothian Disability Sport commented: “Bowling clubs have a lot to offer people with a disability. There is of course the sport of bowling itself, the self esteem that comes from improving at a sport, not to mention the social and physical benefits of being part of a club.

“Many people with a disability can feel isolated and alone, it is therefore important for them to find a way to socialise within a comfortable and supportive environment. I believe that bowling clubs can offer this.”

The event is taking place at Bellsburn Bowling Club, who are offering their facilities for free for the event.

If you are interested in coming along please feel free to come to Bellsburn Bowling Club on Saturday, August 20, the competition will start at 10 am and will be finished around 5pm.

Entry is free, with good access into and round the club house and out to the green for wheelchair users.