Nanaimo VIP (Vision Impaired Program)

For almost 50 years Nanaimo Lawn Bowling Club has had a program so that bowlers who are experiencing sight problems can still enjoy the fun of bowls.

There are only two modifications made:

1. A white string runs down the centre of the rink, so the bowlers know where the centre line is.
2. The bowler can have a sighted helper to advise what shot to play.

Our club members have always had incredibly good bowlers who have competed at the Provincial, National, and International level.

Cheryl Ward won a bronze medal in mixed pairs in Zimbabwe and Elaine Smithson won a bronze medal in singles at the Paralympic Qualification Tournament in England.

In 2015, Dave Ruckman competed in the International Disability Games in New Zealand, and in 2025 represented Canada in the International Championships in Windsor, Ontario.

Our Vision Impaired Program is still continually active every Tuesday morning at 9 am.

If you know any active person that is having sight problems and enjoys outdoor activities, please let them know about our program. You can contact us here, and we’ll put you in touch with the coordinator of the program.

We give lessons and are eager to have them try our game.

We are hoping to be wheelchair accessible in the near future, so if you know of anyone in a wheelchair who would like to give lawn bowls a try, please visit us at 500 Bowen Road (Bowen Park) and let’s talk.