Visually impaired archer and bowler finds focus on the target
Carol Davies is registered as severely visually impaired (Blind), but she isn’t letting this hold her back. This Skegness resident has become a regular at two seemingly disparate activities: archery and ten-pin bowling. But for Carol, a women’s Royal Army Corps veteran, these pursuits are more than just hobbies; they’re a path to social connection, physical well-being, and maintaining her independence.
Carol’s visual impairment started when she was in her 30’s, progressively worsening over time until she was left with severely impaired vision. This presented challenges in finding activities that were both accessible and engaging. Archery, however, offered a surprising solution. Initially trying out the sport as one of many activities at a residential stay, offered by the charity now known as Blind Veterans UK, Carol embraced the challenge faced by anyone trying out an activity for the first time and found herself hooked.
“Archery to me is about the thrill of mastering something that’s challenging. It’s more than just lining up a shot, it’s about finding your stance and feeling that technique click. When I get shots bang on target it’s exhilarating – but the journey to get there is what keeps me coming back.”
More than a sport
Archery is more than just a sport for Carol. Through her participation she’s discovered a welcoming community of fellow archers who are supportive and encouraging, regardless of age or skill level. It has also provided opportunities to travel and meet people from all over the world. The most recent opportunity being at the 2023 International Blind Sport Federation (IBSA) World Games held at the University of Birmingham, which Carol proudly states was the largest high-level international event for athletes with visual impairments. with more than 1000 competitors from more than 70 nations.
A workout for mind and body
Ten-pin bowling offers a different kind of physical and social engagement. A member of the Skegness Pin Busters, a bowling team for the blind and partially sighted, Carol finds ten pin bowling provides a workout for her mind as well as her body.
“There is lot of skill to both sports, but especially with bowling. You don’t just stand and bowl. I use my monocular as I can’t see clearly but I can see the shadow. Then it’s all in the memory. It’s a thrilling mental challenge to strategise my approach, remembering the lane markings and calculating the perfect swing to knock down the pins. I love the shot when you get 3 pins down and you have 7 left to go, then you take down the remaining pins.”
The camaraderie with other Pin Busters is just as important. The weekly sessions at a local alley, where laughter and cheers erupt with every strike, allow Carol and her husband, who is registered blind, to connect with friends and neighbours in a relaxed setting.
“Bowling is good fun. We all enjoy it. There’s a bit of friendly competition, but we don’t take the sessions too seriously and you definitely don’t have to be brilliant at bowling to come along. If you just want to get out and have a go we will show you how to get started.”
Tenpin bowling also provides opportunities to travel. The Skegness Pin Busters have recently returned from the BBS (British Blind Sports) Tenpin Trios competition in Sheffield where Carol was presented with an award for highest scoring lady (with an amazing score of 178! [without a handicap]).
Carol’s story is a testament to the power of finding activities that cater to your abilities, not your limitations. Archery and ten-pin bowling provide her with a path to physical well-being and social connection. Participating in these sports forms a part of her very active lifestyle that keeps her fiercely independent. It’s a reminder that anyone, regardless of their sight, can find enjoyment, challenge, and community through participation in sports and activities.
Find out more about Skegness Pin Busters in our feature on the group.