Wentworth bowler needs help to get to international championships
As part of Wentworth Bowling Club’s ongoing fundraising efforts, a lucky couple stands a chance to win a one-night stay at the African Peninsula Guest House and Restaurant.
MANDY Sargent (57) a resilient and skilled member of Wentworth Bowling Club, has been selected to represent South Africa at the upcoming International Bowls for Disabled (IBD) Championship in Johannesburg in May.
Born with cerebral palsy, a condition affecting movement, muscle tone and posture due to abnormal brain development, Sargent has never allowed her diagnosis to hinder her athletic pursuits.
Introduced to bowls after transitioning from track events due to her condition, she quickly found her passion in the sport and has since flourished within it.
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“When I started, I had not joined a club yet, and one of my friends invited me to try it out with him, and since then, I just couldn’t stop. From there, I moved between the Hillary Bowling Club, Lahee Park Club and then settled here at the Wentworth Bowling Club,” said Sargent.
Sargent’s remarkable journey in bowls has been marked by numerous accolades. She said, “I have represented the Eastern Province, Southern Transvaal and KwaZulu-Natal in provincial tournaments. In 1994 and 1995, I represented the Springboks in England for an international tournament. The penultimate moment was in 1996 when I represented South Africa at the Paralympics.”
Preparation for the IBD Championship demands intensive training and participation in national competitions, with Sargent eagerly attending preparatory camps to sharpen her skills. However, financial constraints pose a significant obstacle to her journey.
In response, Sargent, in collaboration with the Wentworth Bowling Club, is seeking community support through a raffle. The raffle offers a chance to win a one-night stay for two at the African Peninsula Guest House and Restaurant, along with a dinner voucher worth R1 000. This initiative aims to alleviate the financial burden and ensure Sargent can fulfil her dream of representing South Africa on the international stage.
As Sargent gears up for the IBD Championship, her story serves as a beacon of inspiration for athletes with disabilities, highlighting the importance of perseverance and community backing in achieving extraordinary goals.
For those interested in participating in the raffle or donating, contact Cheryl Waterman, a lifetime member of the Wentworth Bowling Club, on 078 157 2668.
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