VIDEO: Physically disabled bowler Louise Evans does Roosevelt Park proud
ROOSEVELT PARK – Louise Evans sometimes stumbles after releasing the bowl but still she bowls straight.
Louise Evans may have lost control of the left side of her body, but she got an arm over her opponents at the recent Bowls for the Physically Disabled Nationals.
The Roosevelt Park Bowling Club novice caused an upset by beating Protea bowlers to win two silver medals at the tournament, one in singles and one in doubles.
This fact is even more impressive when one considers Evans only started bowling 18 months ago.
“I had a stroke about eight years ago. I lost use of the left side of my body, so I wear a brace on my leg,” Evans told the Northcliff Melville Times in-between practices on a sunny afternoon at the club.
Evans was wearing bright clothes that reflected her own cheerful personality, openly speaking of her B7 disability and quipping jokes of how she sometimes stumbles after releasing the bowl but still somehow bowls straight.
“I never realised I would be good at bowling. I watched my husband Jason bowl for 18 years. He is a Protea bowler and that must be why I got so good so fast.”
Evans said she thoroughly enjoys the sport and regrets not starting earlier in her life.
“But I am so glad I tried bowls. My husband says he has created a monster now,” laughed Evans, who seems to always look on the positive side of things.
Evans also plays bowls with able-bodied people and is starting to find success in the leagues. Even her Protea bowler husband has teamed with her in the mixed doubles league.
Evans thanked her coach Bridget Govan, who helped her with her balance, technique and gameplay.
On her part, Govan described Evans as a naturally talented player who did not need too much coaching.
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