Two para-bowlers are doing both their club and country proud. After attaining double gold in the Disability Nationals 2022 in May, Killarney Bowls Club member Desiree Levin has been selected for the Commonwealth Games para-lawn bowls with mentee Mandy Latimore chosen as reserve.
Levin said that to be accepted as a para-bowler, or one who has a physical or visual impairment, one must undergo strict identification, testing and classification processes.
After a lifetime of different sports ranging from table tennis and squash to golf all played at provincial levels, Levin became a para-bowler, after contracting Guillain-Barre syndrome from which she did not fully recover in 2009. She has since excelled in lawn bowls.
Levin is currently the top-ranking gold medallist in National Disability Bowls for South Africa. This status and recent accomplishment secured her position in the Commonwealth team, playing in Birmingham, United Kingdom later in July. Although the competition will be tough, Levin said it would be an awesome honor to represent one’s country.
Levin was also selected to play in the Johannesburg Bowls Association (JBA) Masters against 11 other able-bodied players. This competition will take place on August 13 and 14 at Morningside Country Club.
Latimore, who had a climbing accident at 19, dislocated her spine resulting in paraplegia. During her time at rehab, she found bowling most appealing and she was also good at it. “Bowling had now become an amazing easy sport that offered good exercise and a social environment for myself.
“My skills have progressed and after changing clubs to Linden, I have played in the JBA league as well as doing well in the club ladies’ pairs competition with a third last year.
“In September 2021, I was invited to join the squad for the Commonwealth Games 2022, and was extremely honoured that I was chosen. From a casual weekend bowler, I started to really amp up my practice and joined the weekly accuracy sessions at Linden as well as joining Desiree at her [Killarney Bowls Club] for a second accuracy session each week.”
Latimore said she was extremely proud to have got into the Commonwealth team squad, and also proud that Desiree Levin, her bowls mentor, was going to represent the country. Levin said she will strive for gold in the Commonwealth Games.
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