MANDURAH-based blind lawn bowler Jayne Parsons is training for a return to the Australian national championships, where she is chasing her second consecutive title.
Parsons, along with her husband and bowling partner Brent, took out the 2015 national title and say they have no plans of easing up at this year’s campaign.
“We are out to win – it was quite an honour to win last time around so we really want to keep that going,” Jayne said.
“It was the first time in 15-or-so years that the trophy had been brought back to WA, so we want to keep it here a little longer.”
Jayne has a history of athletic and Paralympic success, having previously won a bronze medal at the 2008 summer Paralympics for cycling.
But the fitness enthusiast jumped off the bike and onto the green after moving from New Zealand to Mandurah.
Communication is key for the wife/husband duo, as Brent guides Jayne through her techniques and stance before she bowls.
“I sort of tell her how far off her line she might be and Jayne has to adjust from there,” Brent said.
“I’ll let her know how far off the jack she is by telling her ‘two or three metres at 10 o’clock’, and she will have to change how she bowled the first one.”
Jayne also hopes to empower others who are vision impaired.
“Hopefully a few other blind people can realise that there are opportunities out there for them and things are available,” she said.
“It’s really good fun and it’s all really good for your self esteem.”
After the Australian nationals competition, the pair will begin training for the international championships, which will be held in South Africa next March.
Justin Rake
Sports journalist for the Mandurah Mail, Australian Community Media, Fairfax Media.
Sports journalist for the Mandurah Mail, Australian Community Media, Fairfax Media.
