Blind bowler loving first taste of Games

Nooapii Rouvi lets his bowl go at the indoor bowls at the Masters Games yesterday. PHOTO: GREGOR RICHARDSON

Blind indoor bowler Nooapii Rouvi, originally from the Cook Islands but now living in Dunedin, is loving his first experience of the Masters Games. Kayla Hodge asks him some quickfire questions about his experience.

How did you get into indoor bowls?

I play bowls for the foundation of the blind and Chris [Moffitt], my skipper, he’s always been coaching me at the bowls. I have been playing for them ... I think my first time I played for them, I can’t remember, maybe in the late 1970s.

What do you enjoy about the sport?

I enjoy the way the coaches tell us where to go and enjoy everybody who plays, especially when we face each other.

Have you played in the Masters before?

No, it’s my first time, so I was very glad my coach asked me.

What made you want to play in the Masters Games?

I play indoor bowls and Chris, my coach, he always coached for me at the nationals, so I was very interested.

Enjoyed the Masters Games so far?

Oh yes, very well, yes.

What have you enjoyed the most?

Talking to people. Especially with us over here, there’s about five members for the blind and a few have come from the Special Olympics. Plus, my brother over here and my niece over here are helping.