Two years ago Mike and Joan Mowat signed up for a How to Coach Disabled People in Sport Workshop organised by Disability Sport Fife. Since then so much has happened at Dovecot Bowling Club in Glenrothes. Club members have embraced the ethos of inclusive bowls totally and a small but hugely enthusiastic group of bowlers has taken to the sport and are now fully committed to the club programme of coaching, training and competition.
Thanks to a start up bursary form the Association of Rotary Clubs Fife, Disability Sport Fife (DSF) was able to invest in equipment and clothing. The Dovecot Club offered reduced fees and DSF was able to offer financial support to assist with club memberships. The programme was launched very quickly and has now gone from strength to strength.
Initially the development centered on specific coach led sessions but has now moved to full club engagement. DSF members have played in the club open pairs competition and I learned recently that one DSF member Sandy Allan is featuring in a friendly with Kingskettle Bowling Club. DSF member Allan Robertson is scheduled to play in a friendly later in the month.
DSF member Robert Anderson played in the semi final of Dovecot Park Bowling Club’s Novice Trophy. Robert lost the first 12 shots in a first to 21 game before he overcame his nervousness. The score went to 18 all before Robert won 21 to 18. The gallery of club members was very impressed with how the players have progressed. Driving force Mike Mowat is paired with Robert and DSF members Sandy Allan and Stephen Anderson are paired together for the club Open Pairs Competition.
Well done to Dovecot Bowling Club members who have embraced this bowls development project so enthusiastically. Robert Anderson, Stephen Anderson, Adam Faulds, Briony Clark, Sandy Allan, Allan Robertson, and Mandy Robertson have been welcomed, encouraged and supported throughout their time as members of the Dovecot Club. The success has been the enthusiasm of the club members to make this project a success and DSF plans to introduce more new members in the weeks and months ahead.
The DSF members of Dovecot Bowling Club head to Aberhill Bowling Club in Methil for the 2017 Fife Indoor Championships for placers with a learning disability early in September. The Aberhill club is similarly inclusive in ethos and action and has hosted the Disability Sport Fife Indoor Championships for almost 30 years.
Photo: Robert Anderson, Mike Mowat, Sandy Allan and Stephen Anderson
Richard Brickley MBE – President Disability Sport Fife