Blind bowling brings joy at Kelowna club

It’s a typically sumptuous summer afternoon at the Kelowna Lawn Bowling Club (KLBC).

The gorgeous green surface is manicured, the mature trees in City Park are offering some shade, and the bowlers are quietly going about their gentle, smooth moves.

There is, however, one key difference about how things look on this day: the games are being played by bowlers who are blind or have only partial sight.

“We have five bowlers out today who are enjoying this fine weather,” Cathy Hopfner, director for the KLBC’s blind bowling league told Kelowna10 about the participants who are now regulars for the once-a-week program.

Key to the success of the initiative is the assistance of the volunteer ‘directors’ whose job is to guide the bowlers. They may help place the weight-biased balls in the player’s hand, give them input on where to aim and, crucially, let them know how the shape of their shot worked and how close they ended up to the jack.

“We have six volunteers who are happy to help and are doing a tremendous job,” Hopfner explained, noting bowlers can also bring along their own support person to help them play if they prefer.

Brian Lechelt, an accomplished blind curler, is among the playing group dressed in his beige shorts, crisp white shirt and Panama hat. This is only his third attempt at lawn bowls but wonders why he didn’t pick it up earlier.

“I’m still learning the game … and I’m just as pleased as punch. This is the same as blind curling except no screaming, “ he said with a laugh. “This is more social than curling, everyone’s just chit-chatting away, it’s wonderful.”

Lechelt has peripheral vision but can’t seen where the ball goes once he’s released it. Other players have different needs depending on their visual impairment.

For Hopfner, she’s not surprised the program has taken off.

“It gives another opportunity for blind or visually impaired people to get out, be active, be social, and have lots of fun,” she explained.

Anyone interested in joining the group can contact the Kelowna Lawn Bowling Club or check the website here.