Indoor club to host para bowling championship

An indoor bowling club is set to make national history as it hosts the first-ever Para Open Singles Championship.

The one-day championship by the English Indoor Bowling Association (EIBA) will take place at Bristol Indoor Bowls Club on Saturday.

The club, on South Liberty Lane, was chosen to host the event due to its accessible facilities and inclusive approach to sport, bringing elite para athletes from across the UK to the city.

Local para bowler Emma Price said the event was about "recognising that excellence looks the same, even if the route to it is different".

Para bowling features classifications for wheelchair users, visually impaired, and other disabilities, often utilizing specialized, inclusive equipment.

Organisers say matches will be played in a new format of two five-end sets (or one-hour matches) across eight rinks, designed to balance performance with accessibility.

The format will also be used as a pilot for future para competitions.

"The purpose of elite competition is to allow the best players to perform at their best," Price continued.

"Having a different-ability-friendly facility like Bristol makes a huge difference," said Price.

"Motorised wheelchairs and adaptive aids being available removes barriers many players usually have to plan around before they even enter a competition."

Organisers say hosting the championship is a "major milestone" for the bowls club and the city.

The event, which begins at 09:00 GMT, is open to spectators, and members of the public have been encouraged to come along and support the players.

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