Blind bowlers compete at Australian national championships

The Australian Blind Bowlers Association held its national championships at Club Tweed, featuring visually impaired players from across the country. Competitors are classified as B1 (no eyesight) or B2 (very limited eyesight) and rely on sighted directors for alignment and delivery. Curtis, 47, from Perth Bowling Club, lost both eyes in a 2023 gas explosion and has been bowling for two and a half years. Merissa from Narrabeen, blind since age 17 due to a motor vehicle accident, represented Australia in 2023. Fred from Bribie Island, blind from a genetic condition, has bowled since 2019. Vanessa, 57, from Brisbane, blind since 18 months, has bowled for 43 years and won medals at the 2001 Commonwealth Games. Judy, vision-impaired her entire life, has bowled for 10 years using a mobility chair. The sport uses the same rules as sighted bowls but with a string down the center of the green. Club Tweed's indoor and outdoor greens are fully accessible.