Indoor bowls and archery were on the agenda for Southern members of Blind Low Vision NZ at yesterday’s have-a-go day in Invercargill.
About 30 members from Dunedin, Gore, Balclutha and Invercargill came together for a sports day involving bowls, and in the afternoon, archery.
For many, it was their first time holding a bow and arrow.
Blind Low Vision NZ Southland recreation and volunteer co-ordinator Robyn Bye said it was exciting and a new challenge for members.
"It’s good for anyone to have a go at new things, it challenges you. It’s nice to be included in sports that other people do.
"It’s really important for our members to get together and socialise with other members."
Deep South Archery Club head coach Ardy Ayto said they were trying to get people with physical impairments to give archery a go.
"I think anybody that doesn’t fit into the mould society provides for us, having a disability myself, it’s always difficult to fit into any environment."
"What we’re trying to do here is make sure these guys are made to feel they are part of society as normal, participating archers."
Invercargill resident Virginia Boyle said it was her first time at archery.
"It probably is for most of us. I know Australia’s blind community is really big on it."
Dunedin resident Glenda Drummond said they were "having a ball".
It was her first time with a "real" bow, otherwise her experience consisted of childhood adventures with home-made bows.
