Vision Impaired & Blind Bowls

VIBBWA – Vision Impaired and Blind Bowlers WA

The Vision Impaired and Blind Bowlers of Western Australia (VIBBWA), formerly referred to as WABBA, is a non-profit organisation dedicated to assisting totally blind and vision impaired people to participate in lawn bowls.

Formed in 1975 to provide, or to assist in the provision of, facilities to encourage visually impaired persons to play the game of bowls so that their conditions of life may be improved.

VIBBWA are located at:

Perth and Tattersall’s Bowling & Recreation Club Inc.
2 Plain Street
EAST PERTH WA 6004

PATHWAYS

As far as pathways and events go, Blind Bowler events are organized from State, National and International Blind Bowler Organisation Levels:

State:

(1) Visually Impaired and Blind Bowlers WA (VIBBWA) is the central body for blind and vision impaired bowlers in WA – sighted helpers are welcome (these are the Directors). 

They are located at the Perth & Tattersall’s Bowling Club, 2 Plain Street, East Perth WA 6004. 

President:

Vice President:

Secretary:

VIBBWA normally host their State Championships towards the end of October, and have regular practice on Wednesday mornings 9:30 to 11:30 at the club throughout the year.

(2) The South West Rollers are a vision impaired bowls group that meet every fortnight at Mandurah Bowling Club (89 Allnutt Street) on a Friday morning between 9:30 and 11:30.

Connect with a fun and encouraging group of all ages and abilities where Directors and volunteers have dedicated their time to help you feel welcome and supported.

This group caters to all skill levels from beginner to league in an indoor facility allowing all year round play at a cost of $5 per game with an option to obtain membership. Morning Tea is provided.

Email: Southwestrollers@gmail.com

Mobile: 0498 508 644 (speak to Jayne or Brent)

National:

Under the auspice of Blind Sports Australia the Australian Blind Bowler Association (ABBA) has been operating for over 30 years and exists to promote the game of lawn bowls through National and International competition.  

  1. ABBA holds the National Champions each year in April/May (round robin different states)
  2. ABBA hosts the Trans Tasman at the end of April each year (Tasmania).
  3. Bowls Australia aids in the organization of the Australian Open where there is a category for Blind Bowlers in the Disability Section.  These games have moved to Queensland for the next few years.

International:

The International Blind Bowlers Association (IBBA) host competitions every 4 years, competitors are organized by ABBA as a National Body for Selection.

For more information visit the following pages and links:

VIBBWA Facebook

VIBBWA Website (refer to Facebook page)

There are several documents that will give you information about how to coach blind bowlers, information about Directors (people who aid blind bowlers on the green) and also links to videos and websites that may be of help/interest.

Visually Impaired Bowling – Blind Bowlers Tutorial

How to Coach the Blind Bowler

Blind Lawn Bowling Champions

Blind Bowls World Championships

Coaching a Vision Impaired Bowler

Visually Impaired Bowling

Auckland Blind Bowls – A List of Videos for Vision Impaired Shot Call