Bowls For Sight 2024: A Resounding Success in Our Save Our Sight Campaign

What an amazing day we experienced at our first-ever Bowls For Sight fundraiser! The enthusiasm, generosity, and community spirit made this event truly memorable.

Here’s a look back at our fantastic day:

EVENT HIGHLIGHTS

• Participation: We had a full house with 24 teams of 4, including 16 visually impaired and blind bowlers, showcasing the true spirit of inclusive sport.
• Save Our Sight Campaign: This event marked another milestone in our Save Our Sight Programme, which aims to empower individuals with vision loss through sport.
• Inclusive Sponsorship: Thanks to the Rotary Club of Knights Pendragon, three teams of visually impaired players were sponsored, giving them the opportunity to participate fully in the day’s events.

IMPACT

We’re thrilled to showcase the significant impact our bowlers’ participation and generosity have made:

• 20 DNA Kits Funded: Thanks to their support, we have funded 20 DNA sampling kits, offering essential genetic testing for underprivileged individuals affected by retinal degenerative diseases.
• Empowering the Visually Impaired: All funds raised from this event directly support our Save Our Sight Campaign, empowering visually impaired individuals through sports and other initiatives.

Their contributions are making a real difference in the lives of those affected by vision loss, providing hope, support, and opportunities for a brighter future.

EMPOWERING THROUGH SPORT

Our Bowls For Sight event was more than just a game – it was a beacon of hope and a showcase of possibilities. As Linsay Engelbrecht, Head of Special Events and Para Sport Development, perfectly expressed:

“Today, we didn’t just teach bowls – we unlocked a world of potential. Each participant walked away with more than just a new skill; they left with a renewed sense of what’s possible.”

TESTIMONIALS

Derek Nel, diagnosed with Stargardts a few years ago, shared:

“I would like to take a moment to thank you very much for a spectacular day spent with Retina South Africa at the bowls. Linsay, thank you very much for going out of your way to make it very very special for so many people. You really make a huge difference and a big impact in other people’s lives. Thank you!!.”

Melanie Nel (diagnosed with Stargardts too) representing The SA Guide Dogs Association enthusiastically added:

“We really enjoyed it, it was so much fun to do something different and learn a new skill, what a great event!”

Karin Gouws from Blind SA enthusiastically shared:

“The Bowls for Sight event was a wonderful example of collaboration between organisations supporting the visually impaired. It provided a fun, inclusive activity and raised crucial awareness about the capabilities of people with vision loss. As a long-time member of VIBSA (Visually Impaired Bowls SA) too, I was thrilled to participate. The assistance for non-bowlers was genius, and the atmosphere was pure enjoyment. We at Blind SA are grateful for the opportunity to brand our organisation and look forward to future partnerships that empower and unite our community.”

COMMUNITY SUPPORT

We’re immensely grateful for the support from the members of the Edenvale Bowling Club, “directors” and volunteers from Gauteng North and Brackenhurst Bowling Club, and our volunteers from Standard Bank, who assisted players with vision loss throughout the day. Their dedication and compassion truly embodied the spirit of inclusion and community support.

SPOTLIGHT ON OUR NATIONAL PARTNER – LIONS CLUB INTERNATIONAL MULTIPLE DISTRICT 410

We are proud to shine a spotlight on our esteemed national partner, Lions Clubs International Multiple District 410. Their unwavering support and dedication to our cause have been instrumental in making events like Bowls For Sight a resounding success.

Lions Clubs International is known worldwide for their commitment to community service, and Multiple District 410, covering Southern Africa, has been an exceptional ally in our mission to support those affected by retinal degenerative diseases.

Key contributions of Lions Clubs International Multiple District 410:

• Ongoing support for our Save Our Sight Campaign
• Volunteer mobilisation for our events
• Assistance in raising awareness about retinal health across Southern Africa

“We are deeply honoured to collaborate with organizations like Retina SA – Bowls For Sight that align with our mission of service and commitment to community welfare. Lions Clubs International Multiple District 410 is proud to support the Save Our Sight Campaign and initiatives that promote retinal health across Southern Africa. Through our collective efforts, we are able to create meaningful change, bringing much-needed assistance and hope to individuals affected by retinal degenerative diseases. Together, we are not just raising awareness, but building a brighter, healthier future for all.” Graeme Logan

Our partnership with Lions Clubs International Multiple District 410 exemplifies the power of collaboration in making a real difference in our communities. We extend our heartfelt gratitude for their continued support and look forward to many more years of working together to improve lives.

THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS AND CONTRIBUTORS

We extend our heartfelt thanks to all our sponsors and contributors, including:

• African Facility Management
• African Hills Safari Lodge
• Build It Edenvale
• City Lodge Hotel
• Cream Car Wash Greenstone
• Diamond Products Group
• Digital Cube Entertainment
• Edenvale Bowling Club
• Fahrenheit Restaurant Edenvale
• First Freight Couriers
• Hanlie Le Roux
• Meat World Centurion
• Nexus Independent Financial Professionals
• Physiotherapy Bedfordview
• Rebel Elite Fitness
• Rotary Club of Knights Pendragon
• Spur
• Veganiche Za

Special thanks to all contributors to our goody bags, including Virtual Castings, Cream Car Wash, Fancy Ink, and Remax.

FASCINATING FACTS: PARA (BLIND) BOWLS ON THE GREEN

Did you know that lawn bowls is one of the most accessible sports for people with visual impairments? Here are some interesting facts about para bowls:

1. Classification System: Visually impaired bowlers are classified into four categories:
   • B1: No light perception in either eye up to light perception
   • B2: Ability to recognize the shape of a hand up to visual acuity of 2/60
   • B3: Visual acuity above 2/60 up to 6/60
   • B4: Visual acuity above 6/60
2. Directors as Vital Partners: Each visually impaired bowler works with a sighted director. The director describes the game situation, helps with orientation on the green, and provides feedback on bowl delivery.
3. Tactile Aids: B1-B3 bowlers often use a tactile string guide stretched across the rink to help them align their shots.
4. Clock Face Positioning: Directors often use clock face positions to describe where bowls have landed (e.g., “Your bowl is at 2 o’clock to the jack”).
5. Adapted Equipment: Some visually impaired bowlers use bowls with tactile markings to distinguish them by touch.
6. Enhanced Senses: Many para bowlers develop an incredibly acute sense of the weight and momentum of the bowl, often rivalling or surpassing sighted players in accuracy.
7. International Recognition: Para Blind bowls is recognised by the International Blind Sports Federation (IBSA) and is played in many countries worldwide.
8. Inclusive Sport: Para (Blind) bowls allows visually impaired and sighted players to compete together, making it a truly inclusive sport.
9. Health Benefits: Like regular bowls, blind bowls provides excellent low-impact exercise and promotes mental well-being through social interaction and competition.
10. Eye Health: Engaging in outdoor activities like bowls can be beneficial for eye health. Natural light exposure has been linked to a reduced risk of myopia progression, and the gentle eye movements involved in tracking the bowls may help maintain eye muscle flexibility.

WHAT’S NEXT

We’re excited to continue our mission of empowering individuals with vision loss through sport. Here are some upcoming events you can be part of:

1. Virgin Active 947 Ride Joburg – RIDE FOR A PURPOSE: Join us on November 17th for this exciting charity ride.
2. The Dis-Chem Ride For Sight: Mark your calendars for February 16th at the Boksburg City Stadium for our premier fundraiser, 116km Super Classic and the 62km Fun Ride including the para category, supporting personas with disabilities.

GET INVOLVED

Your support doesn’t have to end here. Here’s how you can continue to make a difference:

1. Donate: Every contribution, no matter how small, helps fund our research and support programs.
2. Volunteer: Join our team of dedicated volunteers for future events.
3. Participate: Sign up for our upcoming events and continue to be part of our inclusive sporting community.
4. Spread the Word: Share your experience with friends and family to help us grow our community of supporters.

Together, we’re not just raising funds – we’re raising awareness, fostering inclusion, and changing lives. Thank you for being an integral part of our journey towards a world where vision loss doesn’t limit potential.