Vision beyond sight: Bowlers aim high

Every week, a group of people with low vision, to near blindness, come together to play indoor bowls. From 1pm the clack of bowls and the sound of guiding voices fill the room, but it's when the games wrap up, the real magic happens. Over cups of tea, biscuits and good conversations are shared among friends. 

The Blind Low Vision Organisation hosts two hours of blind bowls every Wednesday at 1pm. Some members have been rolling bowls for nearly a decade, including a 98 year-old Gwendoline Bremner. 

“It’s the camaraderie really, it’s getting the opportunity to play.

"I just enjoy it all.” 

The club's spirit stretches far beyond Ōtautahi. A team of 10, made up of players, coaches and a manager, are now preparing to represent Christchurch at the Nationals Blind Bowls competition in Whanganui. 

Peter McGlichey and Margaret McDougall, two newcomers, were called up to join the team after two participants had to withdraw. 

"It’s been a long time since I’ve been on the Nationals side" McGlichey says.

"It will be really nice to touch bases with people I saw many years ago. 

"The social side is at least as important as the competition itself."

McDougall is also ready for the competition. 

"I’m looking forward to going away with the Blind Foundation" she says. 

"I have glaucoma and can’t see that good, so it’ll be fun. 

"I normally play skip and I do enjoy it very much."