Differently-abled bowler is an inspiration

‘I AM differently abled.’ This is both the theme of Disability Month as well as the mindset of avid bowler Clifford Neville Hole.

The 75-year-old was born partially sighted due to a shredded cornea. Despite this he had an illustrious career as an accounting clerk. However, he often found himself isolated during weekends and longed to take up a sport. It was then when he discovered bowls. Although he did not enjoy watching the sport, he instantly fell in love when he began playing.

He joined the Ramblers’ Bowling Club based in Bloemfontein after he noticed how sociable and friendly the members were. He mastered the sport and has been playing since 1979. He soon partnered with the late Raymond Gloak (a district player) to win the club nominated pairs twice. In 2006, he moved to his forever home in Amanzimtoti and joined the bowling club in 2008 and the Visually Impaired Bowlers Port Natal (VIBPN), where he is the secretary. His greatest bowls achievements were winning a bronze medal in the 2015 National Tournament for the Disabled hosted in Kimberly assisted by his director Dumani Shezi, then again in 2017 in Sables when he won silver with his director Barbara Collins. He now enjoys plays bowls more socially.

When he plays with able body members he uses the skip as a guide to the jack and when he plays with visually impaired bowlers he uses a director. The job of the director is to instruct the bowler in the direction and strength to throw the bowl. However, Cliff prefers playing with the skip since he hasn’t fully mastered the skill of voice command.

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In his capacity as secretary for VIBPN, Cliff has tried to recruit visually impaired players and directors for several years, but with little success. Cliff sees two major considerations that need to be met for a disabled person to bowl regularly.

“They need to be able to get to the club, and once there they may need assistance to do certain things, or a director if they are visually impaired. This requires a group of committed volunteers who are willing to give several hours of their time on a regular and on-going basis, and finding enough of these volunteers has proved challenging,” he said.

He suggests that there should be a recruiting campaign for volunteers and also that the disabled person should be encouraged to bring a friend or relative where possible. Cliff has really appreciated the encouragement he has received from the bowlers at Ramblers and Amanzimtoti clubs when he has made a good shot. To him this is what makes playing the game of bowls a most enjoyable experience and it is something he would like to share with other disabled people.
He was married to Marget for 23 years before she passed on and he has three step children and two grandchildren. He enjoys watching sport and socialising.

For more information on the sport, contact 076 542 5082.

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