By William Moncrieff, Communications Officer
Ian Graham has been participating and competing in visually impaired bowls for 15 years. These years hold some of Ian’s most rewarding and meaningful memories. He reflected on his experiences saying, “It’s been such a journey. I have been around the world and I’ve enjoyed every minute of it.”
Alongside all the memories that Ian has made throughout his journey, being a B2 bowler (B2 classification is where the person has the ability to recognise hand movements up to a visual acuity of 2/60), he has also experienced many of the other benefits that sport and physical activity can provide.
“When you get on to the green you are most certainly working on the physical side of things, you’re putting your all into it, you’re walking back and forth from end to end delivering balls. At the same time you are mentally aware, you’ve got to be focused and aware of what you are doing with the tactical side of things,” he explained.
Ian was skeptical when it was first suggested that he try bowls.
“When Ron McArthur came to the sensory center looking for people to play bowls, I declined.” Ian said. However, his mind was swayed when he spoke to his son, who was also starting out his own journey in Parasport.
“My youngest boy, Niall, played basketball for England All Stars. He became registered visually impaired as well and he phoned me up to tell me that he had been pre-selected for the London 2012 Paralympics in Goalball. He said, ‘what are you going to do dad’, and I said, ‘I’m going to play for Scotland son’.”
Fifteen years later, Ian wishes he took up the opportunity to play both lawn and indoor bowls a lot earlier. “The greatest regret I’ve got, is that I wish I did it so much earlier.”
Ian now plays for the Forth Valley Visually Impaired Bowlers club and one of the most rewarding elements of the sport that he finds is supporting others to try bowls and gain all the benefits.
“Yes, I have had success and it has given me a lot of pleasure, but the greatest pleasure that I get is when I am with guys and girls that we’ve recruited as players and we are on the bowling green speaking. They might not be the best bowlers in the world and they’re just attending for the social aspect but they are standing and having a blether. That is the greatest achievement because we have got them out of those dark places.”
Ian followed this up by saying: “Bowling is great for our physical health but it is also great for our mental strength and wellbeing. It’s just great seeing guys and girls come in and have a life.”
Ian talked about how the game of bowls helped him get out of a dark place. “As a person who had pretty much given up on life, thinking it has all past them by, I can tell you there is nothing better than being able to put the Scotland shirt on and stand with your teammates and represent your country.”
For Ian representing Scotland is one of the many highlights that he has felt throughout his bowls career. “With Scotland, when you walk on to the green there is always Scotland the brave playing, and that really gets the heart pumping.”
Although for Ian, playing for Scotland is important, he’s always enjoyed being able to see other people having the opportunity to represent their nation. “The year before last we had two debutants playing at a Home Nations Championships. One was 27 and the other a 81-year-old gentlemen. They led the team out carrying the Saltire and you’ve never seen an 81-year-old man look so proud, his chest was pushed right out,” recalled Ian.
Ian benefits greatly from the social elements of bowls. “The good thing about bowls is the community. It’s not the biggest sport in the world but we all meet up together and understand that we are part of the greater movement of bowls. This all adds to the stimulation, when you go to meet people.”
With Ian having an amazing journey in bowls, participating in tournaments globally, meeting new people and being rewarded with many of the psychological and physiological benefits, he would advocate that everyone gives the sport a go.
“Don’t delay, just do it. There are plenty of avenues; find your local club, there is so much you can gain from it”, said Ian.
If you would be interested in trying bowls and experiencing many of the benefits that Ian has shared, you can email your Regional Development manager who will be able to provide you with information about local opportunities.
Make sure to stay up to date on all opportunities throughout Scotland, by following Scottish Disability Sport on Facebook, Instagram and X.
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