Local 10-pin bowling teams have been challenged to a game with a difference by players from a leading West Midlands charity.
Beacon, which provides activities for people with sight loss, has two new bowling teams competing in the national 10-pin bowling blind league. The Beacon Pin Bashers play out of Dudley Bowlplex and the Beacon Shiners play at Hollywood Bowl at Bentley Bridge.
Tim Jukes, from Beacon, said: “The bowling teams are part of our ActivEyes project, to enable adults to take part in a broad range of leisure pursuits in a safe environment.
“Participating in these activities helps to raise confidence levels and encourage independent living.
“We think bowlers across the region would be amazed to see how skilful the Beacon teams are so we are throwing out a challenge to local clubs to play a game against us.
“Of course, the challengers would be expected to wear our ‘Sim Specs’, which simulate different degrees of sight loss, so they can get an idea of what it is like for our bowlers and to level the playing field.
“So, any clubs out there brave enough to go head-to-head with the Pin Bashers and the Shiners?”
Anyone interested in organising a challenge match against the Beacon teams can contact Tim Jukes on 01902 880111.
The Beacon teams were created after initial funding for taster sessions was provided by Midcounties Co-operative. They are now sponsored by Fortel Services, HS Lawyers, Bytheway Accountants and the Horse & Jockey pub, Bilston.
Together the sponsors cover the costs of the team’s shirts, personalised bowling balls measured to fit the hands of the four players on each team, and the costs of games. People can also donated to the teams via a text giving code “PINS22 £3” to 70070.
Tim added: “The teams have got off to a flying start and we are already mid table out of 60 teams in the national league so we are certainly competing well with other partially sighted players. Now we’d love to arrange matches with local clubs, so hope they will get in touch.”
Beacon offers a full range of facilities and support to blind and partially sighted people, including a mix of residential, day care and community services.
Service users receive support from a team of dedicated outreach workers and social groups can meet at the Sedgley centre to participate in arts and crafts, music, fitness and IT sessions.
To find out more visit www.beaconvision.org