Vicky secures bronze at Commonwealth Games

Vicky Clare van der Merwe (52) from Newcastle recently competed for Team South Africa in the Ladies’ Pairs Para Lawn Bowls at the 2022 Commonwealth Games, which was held in England.

Vicky suffers from ‘drop-foot’ in both her feet, following an operation in 2017.

However, Vicky has not let this disability stand in her way and strives to achieve greatness in life.

The Newcastle Advertiser caught up with this local ‘legend’ and discussed her fervour for the game.

This is what she had to say:
Q: Why bowls?
A: “Bowls is a very social and friendly sport that can be played by anyone from the age of six to 96. It requires a lot of thinking, concentration, stamina, muscle memory and a great sense of humour. I am able to go out, have fun and participate among able-bodied bowlers, as well as ‘differently-abled’ bowlers while getting the exercise I need to keep my calf muscles strong, and I am able to keep healthy.”

Q: How long have you been playing bowls?
A: “I started playing bowls nine years ago at Newcastle Bowling Club.”

Q: What keeps you motivated?
A: “My main motivation is to get out into the fresh air, get exercise and have fun. Keeping my spot in the South African Para Team is my ‘bonus’ motivation.”

Q: Do you have a role model in the bowling fraternity?
A: “My role models are my mom, my late dad and a woman named Colleen Piketh. They were and are the epitome of etiquette, talent and just down-to-earth, wonderful people.”

Q: What else have you achieved over the years as a bowler?
A: “In 2016, before my disability, I represented KwaZulu-Natal Country Bowls at the SA Provincials B Tournament. I was also in the Ladies’ Fours team that won the District Competition that year. After joining Physically Disabled Bowls South Africa, I participated in my first tournament in 2019 and won a gold medal in the Ladies’ Pairs alongside a wonderful bowler named Julie Deferville. Last year, our Ladies’ Fours Team won the Northern Fours Competition and was runner-up in the District Fours Competition. At the Disability National held in June of this year, I won a silver medal in the Pairs with Annatjie Meyer and a bronze medal in the Singles Division.”

Q: What do you have to say to people who believe that bowls is a sport for men rather than women?
A: “I think they need to change their mind-set. Women used to have to play in long dresses, petticoats, stockings, hats and brown shoes. Those days are long gone and women now compete at the same level as the men do. Women are quick thinkers and just as able to draw a shot or drive into the ‘head’ as any man out there.”

Q: What advice do you have for people looking to join the sport?
A: “Whether you are old, young, female, male, disabled or ‘abled’, find your nearest Bowling Club and get to it! I wish I had joined the sport earlier. There are awesome coaches at every club who are willing to teach you how to play the game. You can bring your entire family along and enjoy all the benefits of being in the outdoors, getting exercise, testing your skills, hanging out with friends and supporting your local community. And PS: we have the cheapest drinks and the best food in town!”

Read Vicky’s full story in this week’s edition of the Newcastle Advertiser, on sale from Thursday, September 22.

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