And now for another good news story.
With the FIFA Women’s Football World Cup being such a great success, the Ministry for Women invited applications from smaller community groups to develop activities to encourage health and wellness for women by participating in sports.
The New Zealand Blind Lawn Bowling Association (NZBLBA) was successful in a grant application to provide nine 'Have A Go' lawn bowls events, with three planned for each of Nelson, Christchurch and Dunedin. Any females with any disabilities are welcome to come along for a fun introduction to bowls, along with their family and/or friends.
The Ministry for Women grant enabled the NZBLBA to engage with two of our supreme Blackjack women to organise and lead this programme. The NZBLBA were delighted that Tayla Bruce agreed to host three events in both Christchurch and Dunedin, and Val Smith agreed to host three events in Nelson.
The free programme started in spectacular fashion on Sunday 12 November at the Forbury Park Club in Dunedin. Ten participants and other supporters came along to work with Tayla and a few other helpers.
The Forbury Park Club turned on the weather and provided their usual friendly welcome. Many thanks to those members for their input.
As always when working with any bowlers with any disability, the focus was on what people can do rather than what they can’t. Tayla, and her team, supported all the participants to find ways that they could smoothly deliver bowls. Smiles, fun, chatter, and laughter ruled the day and a very special day was enjoyed by all the participants, their supporters and Tayla and her team.
All who came along plan to come to the next Dunedin event at Taieri on Tuesday 13 February and then come back to Forbury Park on Tuesday 5 March. Anyone else is very welcome to come along.
In the meantime, the Balclutha, Dunback and Forbury Park clubs can expect some phone calls, as at least three of the women who attended want to get back on the green.
Check below for the next dates and venues:
Dunedin
Tuesday 13 February - Taieri Bowling Club
Tuesday 5 March - Forbury Park Bowling Club
Christchurch
Saturday 25 November - Burnside Bowling Club
Saturday 10 February - Halswell Bowling Club
Saturday 17 February - Halswell Bowling Club
Nelson
Saturday 16 December - Tahunanui Bowling Club
Wednesday 24 January - Tahunanui Bowling Club
Saturday 17 February - Tahunanui Bowling Club
Time
11:30am - 2:30pm | Light lunch provided
Everyone is welcome, so come along and join in the fun. If you have any queries please contact Tayla Bruce or Kevin Smith
