Bowls really is the sport that anyone can play. The bowling community is very inclusive and adapts many aspects so that people with any disability can take part. This includes, but is not limited to, using personal assistants, aids that help balance or vision, wheelchairs, bowling arms, sticks or crutches.
A wide range of opportunities exist for all people whether they want to play just for casual, fun and social times, taking part at a club level or right through to national and international representation. If people wish to play at a competitive level classification of a person’s disability may be required.
Visual impairment classes are B1-B4 and physical impairment classes are B5-B8. Both ambulant and wheelchair-bound players may be eligible. There is also a group of lawn bowlers with varying degrees of hearing loss.
For more information connect with your page of interest here to find out more about the classification system and to get in touch with people that can assist you.
We dedicate ourselves to creating a comfortable, accessible, and supportive environment where players with varying abilities can play the sport of bowls. With us, you’ll forge enduring connections with other bowlers who share your passion and commitment for the game we love.
We can offer specialised coaching and guidance to help improve your game while our events and tournaments provide camaraderie in a friendly and social atmosphere. Para Bowls New Zealand invites you and your whanau to become a valued member or supporter, and together let's grow our already remarkable community.
Deaf Lawn Bowls hosts a National Championship every year on Labour weekend. To qualify to play in Deaf Lawn Bowls New Zealand a person's hearing test must average 55dB or lower. The chart below illustrates varying noise levels to give some perspective to what different sounds are at varying levels of decibel.
The International Deaf Lawn Bowls Championship has been played every 4 years since its inception in 1991. Eight nations including New Zealand, Australia, England, Scotland, Wales, North Ireland, Ireland and Kenya participate.
Many people play bowls even if they are totally blind, have extremely limited direct vision, or have very limited peripheral vision. Opportunities and support exist for all.
The New Zealand Blind Lawn Bowling Association (NZBLBA) supports all bowling events that give vision impaired an opportunity to play. Local have-a-go events are hosted to get people started. Fun tournaments occur involving the vision impaired community and also with fellow members of the wider bowling community. Events are also held with the wider open disability community where everyone can enjoy playing bowls together.
Our members enjoy being part of the NZBLBA family and are also encouraged to join in the being part of the wider community by joining a local bowling club. National Championships are held annually for our members and there are also opportunities to be selected to represent New Zealand in World Championship and Commonwealth Games events. There is no expensive outlay to buy equipment to get started as bowls can easily be borrowed from clubs. Friendly coaching is available to respond to people’s needs and help them learn how to play the game.
There are four classification levels for vison impaired bowls from totally blind to partially sighted. When people first start, we don’t require any special assessments or classifications. It is only when people are playing in national or international championship levels that we will guide them to be formally assessed. Players are well supported, as every player works with a director (or guide) to help them during their games. Coaching is provided not only to players but also to directors to help them understand their role.
If anyone wants to find out about lawn bowls for people with vision impairment please contact the NZBLBA Secretary via email - click on the button above.
105A Jervois Road, Herne Bay
Auckland, New Zealand
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