Stroke survivors throughout Wales can now turn to the sport of Bowls on their road to recovery
This follows the announcement of a new partnership between Stroke Association Wales and BowlsWales to put stroke survivors in touch with their local bowls club to learn the sport – and take more steps on a return to better health.
The formation of Stroke Survivors groups, learning and playing the game regularly at a number of bowls clubs in Wales, is bringing people together to share experiences and learn a new skill at the same time.
Ross Evans, the Stroke Association’s Head of Stroke Support in south and west Wales, is delighted that the charity is able to widen its help to its members:
“When stroke strikes, part of your brain shuts down. And so does a part of you. That’s because a stroke happens in the brain, the control centre for who we are and what we can do. It happens every five minutes in the UK and changes lives instantly.
Recovery is tough, but with the right specialist support and a ton of courage and determination, the brain can adapt. Getting together to learn a sport such as bowls will bring stroke survivors together, help them stay active and rebuild their life after stroke.”
Alun Jones, Chair, BowlsWales, points to the sport’s benefits to all:
“We’re delighted to join up with the Stroke Association – our sport can be played by people of all abilities, indoors as well as outdoors, throughout the year at a large number of clubs throughout Wales. Everyone is welcome – and, of course, we’re a very social sport as well, on and off the green!”
Claire Joll, BowlsWales Development Manager said:
“Bowls really is a ‘Sport For All’ and can be played by people of all ages and abilities. We’re pleased to be able to facilitate Stroke Survivors sessions all over Wales, and we can’t wait for the benefits of the partnership to be seen by all! We’re excited by our partnership with the Stroke Association.“
Work is already underway to help establish these sessions throughout clubs in Wales. There is already a Stroke Survivors bowls session in Ogwr Bowls Club in Bridgend and a new session starting in Cynon Valley club in Mountain Ash, and we are sure that other clubs and centres in Wales will want to join us in welcoming these new sessions throughout the year. In the words of one of our existing Stroke Survivor bowls participants ‘Bowls provides me with both physical and mental benefits and has improved my overall wellbeing.’ “
FOR MORE DETAILS, PLEASE CONTACT:
Stroke Association:
India Percival
CommunityStepsWales@stroke.org.uk
BowlsWales:
Claire Joll
07936 363108
