Balls were rolled with style at the first ever Rotary Club of Sidcup bowls competition involving people with special needs - two who recently won gold and silver medals in the Special Olympics.

The event, organised by the Sidcup Rotary Club’s Interest Group, brought 34 adults with learning needs, along with carers, helpers and staffing volunteers to the White Oak Bowls Centre, Swanley. 

Many of the contestants who took part in the event on August 11 were playing the game for the first time. 

The club, with support from the Bexley Sports Development Team, hailed the event as a great success.

News Shopper:

Michael O'Toole and Liam Prosper of Bexley Dodgers Bocia Club in the Wheelchair Pairs, pictured with Norman Hamblyn, President of Sidcup Rotary Club

Organiser Gerry Wooder said: "Sidcup Rotary Club have built up a very good relationship with the Bexley Sports Development Team and in partnership with them developed an Olympic Legacy Project with the aim of helping talented young sports people."

In total 16 teams entered the draw with prizes presented to competition winners by the Sidcup Rotary President, Norman Hamblyn. 

TOP STORIES:

Huge applause was heard when Karinna Beckett and Laura Mitchell headed for their awards as part of the Bromley Ski Club. 

The duo recently came back from the Los Angeles Special Olympics, taking gold and silver medals in the swimming events. 

News Shopper:

Karinna Beckett and Laura Mitchell from Bromley Ski Club pictured with Norman Hamblyn

Mr Wooder added: "Following the success of this meeting we are looking at possibly making it an annual event."

Group members from the Oak Bowls Centre helped with lane stewarding as teams aimed purposefully for the jack.   

Among the competitors were sides from the Bexley Dodgers Boccia Club, Ken Boyce Day Centre, Smerdon Day Centre, Bromley Special Needs Ski Club and Carers support service entering in wheelchair and severe learning disabilities competition.