Bowls

Bowls

Basics

Although no longer a Paralympic sport since 1996, bowls is played by hundreds of people in Great Britain as a leisure activity and competitively

The aims and objectives of bowls are the same as able bodied bowls. The only difference is that a wheelchair athlete can chose to have a ‘pusher’, the pusher can only push their wheelchair and is not allowed to communicate with them during play

If a wheelchair athlete chooses to compete in the sport, they are often required to use a specially designed bowls wheelchair

The first International Bowls for the Disabled World Championships was held in Australia in 2007

Who can participate?

Anyone with a physical or sensory impairment can participate in bowls. People can play if they have disabilities such as a spinal injury, cerebral palsy or a visual impairment. Like many Paralympic sports, bowls is inclusive and can be played alongside able bodied athletes.

Where in the world?

Bowls is played around the world by young, old, disabled and able bodied people. At the 2007 World Championships, countries represented were: Australia, Canada, England, Hong Kong, Israel, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, New Zealand, Scotland, Singapore, South Africa and Wales. The spreading of these countries around the world suggests that bowls, despite lacking in Paralympic status, is still a popular sport of choice for disabled people. There are 42 member countries from 6 continents, of World Bowls that govern the sport.

What’s near me?

To play bowls it is best to join a local accessible bowls club, these can be found using Google search.  British Wheelchair Bowls Association (BWBA) host regular training weekends and can offer information and advice on equipment, competitions and clubs near you.

Further Information

British Wheelchair Bowls Association

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