Blindscentz #16

Blind Bowling

This week I took advantage of spring break and family! We went bowling one sunny afternoon. I am lucky to say that there are two preteen young men in my life that are wonderful navigators! They are quick to offer an elbow to guide me where I need to go.

I am still somewhat of a novelty when active with some of my people. They are not accustomed to being my navigators. I definitely felt all the love as many people offered their help.

The parking lot is icy said one. There is a cane eater said another as I worked my way to the stairs. I don’t think I heard one ambiguous direction or visual cue all afternoon.

I turned down the slide for the ball. I could here the doubt in their voice as I turned it down. I have bowled before was my explanation. My first approach to the lane found a tiny ridge as a landmark 3 steps before the fowl line. I had great coaching that centered me squarely and set me up for success. The rest was up to me. There were 8 sets of eyes on me with the first throw. No pressure at all!

It may as well have been the winning goal between Canada and the USA Four Nations Hockey Game. The crowd roared in disbelief as I threw a strike! Woot! Woot! Go team Gutters Up!

We played two games and the first game I broke one hundred with a final score of 107. The second game I was leading for the first five rounds but lost the lead with a final score of 120.

All had great fun. My coach did a great job of coaching. I never was a great bowler but always had fun. On one turn I got down the three middle pins and left the two outer pins on opposite sides standing. Impossible shot for a blind woman you say? Not a chance. I played a little trickery and ricocheted off the gutters in two separate shots for the win. I got them all down. I may not be fast. I may not be great. I may need help. I felt totally included and had so much fun.

I always loved sports and do have somewhat of a competitive side. I am going to begin exploring blind sports and find more options. I do believe Blind Sports BC will train coach sand sighted guides for skill development and competitive sports.

The Canadian Council of the Blind support blind curling. This past year the Prince George blind curling team won the nationals in Nova Scotia. I wonder if there is any interest for either a blind bowling or blind curling team in Fort StJohn?

The benefits of physical movement and socializing are tenfold! I feel so great when I am physically active. I am trying to find and build a community of blind and low vision people in Fort St. John.

If you are interested in building community for socializing and/or sports for the blind and low vision please feel free to reach out to me at blindscentz22@gmail.com.

Edwina Nearhood is a long time Fort St. John resident sharing her vision loss journey. Please remember, every person’s vision loss experience is as unique as they are.