West Rand host National Disability Tournament
National bowls tournament on the West Rand this week
The South African National Disability Tournament is being hosted by the The Sables Bowling District this week. The matches are played on the greens of Discovery and Krugersdorp Bowling Clubs. The bowlers competing in the tournament are classified according to their impairment.
The visually impaired compete in the categories B1 to B4. A B1 bowler has no light perception in either eye and no recognition of hand movements at any distance or direction, while a B2 bowler has the ability to recognise hand movements up to a visual acuity of 2/ 60. B3 bowlers have a visual acuity of better than 2/ 60 to 6/ 60, and B4s have a visual acuity of better than 6/ 60 but below 6/ 24.
Physically disabled bowlers are categorised between B5 and B8. B5 is the category for quadriplegic bowlers, who are defined as those with severe injuries resulting in limited arm and leg movement. B6 is the category for paraplegic and amputee bowlers, as well as those with cerebral palsy who may have difficulty balancing themselves. They only need wheelers and walkers. The B7 paraplegic, cerebral palsy or amputee bowlers have a better balance than B6 players. They also only need wheelers and walkers. The B8 paraplegic, cerebral palsy and amputee bowlers have better balance and need just a walker.
Each day, bowlers in each of the categories will be facing off against each other in matches ranging from men’s and women’s singles to mixed pairs and mixed singles.
The tournament convener, Dave Parker is impressed with the level of skill the players are showing on the greens.
“We just recently hosted two national tournaments, so to host another event is a feather in our cap. This tournament has opened the eyes of many because they see people who don’t voice a word of complaint and are just happy playing. We have national players such as Tracy Smith competing at the tournament. These are the players who do well at international competitions and make our country proud. The spirit of the players and the competition has been amazing and I urge those who can to support these players and watch them play.”
Selectors will be keeping a keen eye on the matches throughout the week as players who impress will be part of the South African team that will compete at the next Commonwealth Games in Australia.
The finals will be hosted on Saturday 5 August at Discovery Bowling Club from 8am.
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