BLIND and vision impaired Port Stephens residents will have the chance to give lawn bowls a go when Guide Dogs NSW holds two ‘come and try’ days this month.
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In partnership with Blind Bowls, Guide Dogs NSW will hold come and try days in Soldiers Point and Raymond Terrace.
“We want to provide local residents who are blind or vision impaired with a fun, social opportunity to practice the orientation and mobility skills we teach them individually,” guide dogs orientation and mobility specialist, Fiona Ryan said.
“Along with maintaining their fitness, from a training perspective, the bowlers can travel to the bowling clubs independently using their orientation skills by catching the bus and walking.”
The come and try days are aimed at those who have never played bowls before but want to give it a go and experienced bowlers who are having trouble with their vision.
Gary Edman, who is blind, and a member of the Charlestown bowling group, will be on hand to help out and encourage others to take up the sport.
Mr Edman recently won gold at the Australian Blind Bowlers Association’s national championships.
The confidence Mr Edman gained from taking part in the competition is a far cry from the way he felt some five years ago when he was diagnosed with Lebers Hereditary Optic Neuropathy, an inherited form of vision loss.
“I lost my sight completely within a month and then 12 months later my brother, Rod, also lost his sight,” he said.
“For a long time, I only trusted my wife to guide me and didn't want anyone else to help,” he said.
Mr Edman’s sister lost her sight at the age of 10, but the cause was unknown at the time.
Eventually Mr Edman reached out to Guide Dogs NSW.
A turning point for Mr Edman was when he and brother Rod joined the Charlestown bowling group for people who are vision impaired.
“It was great to get out of the house and meet new people,” he said.
“To anyone who is considering trying bowls, I say just do it. Get out of the house, get some physical exercise and make some new friends.
“Don't worry no one will make fun of you if you don't do well as we can't see you. Life's too short not to have a laugh.”
Come and try days will be held at Soldiers Point Bowling Club on August 21 and Raymond Terrace Bowling Club on August 22.
Anyone interested in heading along can register by calling the Guide Dogs Newcastle office on 4925 3066.
