Earlier this year we caught up with Donna Holland, a left-handed, vision impaired Ten Pin Bowling Champion. Donna discovered the sport of ten-pin bowling thirty years ago at a Blind Society camp in Narrabeen and hasn’t looked back.
“I am vision impaired, so I can still see shapes, pins and length, and I bowl the full length of the alley, just like everyone else.”
At her side when she competes is LiveBetter Home Care Worker Lisa, her spotter. As her spotter, Lisa can tell her how many pins are still standing, allowing Donna to adjust her footing so she is positioned well.
“She’s an incredible bowler, for the vision that she’s got.” Says Lisa. “She can go for strikes and knock down all the pins – I wouldn’t be able to do that without the gutter stoppers!”
There is no doubt that Donna is an inspiration. But there’s more.
Not long after we spoke with Donna an accident saw her hospitalised and unable to work or bowl for six months. This would be a blow for anyone, but Donna was determined to get back on her feet, and with the support of her spotter, Lisa, Donna beat the odds winning both silver and gold at the recent Orange Disabilities Championships Bowling Tournament.
Donna has shown us all what a little courage and some sheer determination can achieve.
Congratulations Donna! What an amazing effort!
