Two Nanaimo competitors rolled their bowls right where they wanted to at nationals.
Randy Fred and Shirley Cole of the Nanaimo Lawn Bowling Club won gold and silver, respectively, at the Blind Bowls Association of Canada championships in Kitchener, Ont. July 25-Aug. 1.
Fred went undefeated at the tournament, but said his opponents from across the country challenged him.
“Every game was a tough game because we’re talking about a national competition,” Fred said.
He and his coach Tom Williams communicated well during the week, said Fred.
“For visually impaired, it’s a team sport because we need a director,” he said. “It makes a big difference if you can communicate with your director.”
Cole said she was happy with silver and said she and her coach Marcia Williams work well together, too.
“If there’s something that I’m not understanding, she explains to me,” Cole said. “I like to decide on my own which direction I want to throw my bowl, so it’s still my game.”
She said the competition can be stressful since she’s played against many of the top lawn bowlers in her division and knows how well they play.
“I’m trying to be more competitive,” said Cole. “I try to do the best I can at these events.”
Even during a high-stakes tournament, though, the bowlers manage to have fun on and off the green.
“I like to tell people that if you want to lawn bowl, you have to enjoy laughter and fun, because that’s what it’s all about, said Fred.
BOWLING BANTER … The Nanaimo Lawn Bowling Club has an active visually impaired membership that plays Tuesday mornings. For more information, please call Shirley Cole at 250-758-1266.
sports@nanaimobulletin.com