Blind veteran competes in national bowls competition

61-year-old Steve was awarded runner-up in a national bowls competition for those with a visual impairment.

He finished second in the B2 category of the National Visually Impaired Bowls England Pairs competition, alongside partner Lynne Bourne.

Vision-impaired bowls features a string which runs down the middle of the lawn so players can understand where the jack is. Competitors are given the distance of the jack in metres and often have a guide to provide advice.

Steve first tried bowls at our training and rehabilitation centre in Brighton.

He served with the Royal Military Police between 1976 and 1979. It was later in life that he lost his sight due to a brain tumour. Luckily Steve found out about Blind Veterans UK and we have supported him since.

He says:

“Before sight loss I was always a competitive sportsman and played rugby to quite a high standard. So when I started to lose my sight I thought that aspect of my life was gone. But at my introductory week at Blind Veterans UK they got me into bowls and have supported me with it ever since.”

Special thanks from Steve

“I would also like to thank Keith Pybus, Director at Rookery Bowls Club, as I would not have been able to do this without him. And also my fellow members at the club who have coached me and embraced my visual needs.”