Bowling is benefiting Blaauw
Duncan Ross, lawn bowling coach at Brakpan Mines Bowling Club, has a firm belief that anyone can play the sport regardless of their situation.
This is true for Sunair Park resident and Muriel Brand School pupil Richter Blaauw (12) who suffers from a rare disorder called Joubert Syndrome, which affects the cerebellum, an area of the brain that controls balance and coordination.
The youngster has been benefiting from playing the sport.
According to his mother Elize he has been progressing in leaps and bounds since he started learning under the tutelage of Ross, a former principal of the Colin Mann Primary School in Germiston.
“It gives him a lot of self-confidence,” said Ross.
“You can see how extremely excited and happy he gets when he plays a good shot and to me that is worth every bit of time spent.”
Elize told the Herald that bowling with his coach has definitely improved her son’s balance and coordination.
“He has a lesson once a week and really enjoys it,” she said.
“He just clicked with Duncan from the word go and listens to him really well.
“I think the fact that he was a school principal helps him with Richter.”
Ross said that it is rewarding to work with the youngster and that it has been an honour to coach him.
“I just love it when he lights up,” he added.
- Anybody who is interested in learning to play bowls is welcome to attend the free weekly Friday afternoon coaching clinics at Brakpan Mines Bowling Club from 2.30pm.
For more information contact Ross on 084 849 8106 or Wade Ferguson on 081 347 8914.
