Seventy-five-year-old Garry Northam has never let his disability get in the way of a good game of lawn bowls.
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Garry was born with cerebral palsy, and during his 20s he also was involved in a serious vehicle accident which forced him into a wheelchair.
A broken hip, sustained two years ago, has seen Garry pare down his lawn bowls commitments, but it certainly has not dampened his enthusiasm.
Cerebral palsy refers to a group of disorders affecting a person’s ability to move.
Garry began playing bowls more than 25 years ago for the Forster Bowling Club at the suggestion of his family.
“My parents and sister played, and now my nephew is playing,” Garry said.
Early last month Garry journeyed to Bateau Bay, on the state’s Central Coast to play in the WS NSW Singles Classic at the invitation of the NSW Wheelchair Sports group.
Lining up against some of the country’s best wheelchair lawn bowlers, including many who have represented Australia at international tournaments and the Paralympics.
Garry played six games during the three day tournament.
And, while he was unsuccessful gaining a place, Garry was just pleased to play once again.
“I just loved it,” Garry said.
“I’ve been invited to play again next year, that’s if I’m picked.”
Wheelchair lawn bows is a multi-disability sport where people with a physical disability can participate equally with able-bodied competitors.
There are no rule changes to rules and competitors can compete on both normal green and synthetic surfaces.