This Scheme was an innovation for the BWBA. At the time of the Scheme’s launch the charity was moving away from the staging and funding of wheelchair bowls events and matches. This move was greatly influenced by the BWBA’s championing the principle that bowlers who need to use a wheelchair to bowl could do so at their own club. Equal treatment of bowlers has always been important to us.
The 50—50 Scheme was designed to help bowlers to purchase a bowls wheelchair (or PDBW – Purpose Designed Bowls Wheelchair) that they could use to play at their own club.
The Scheme has had 44 Applications. 31 of those Applications have been successful. A total of £33,974 has been granted with each successful Application receiving approx £1,100
The BWBA has always had the interests of bowlers who need a wheelchair to bowl at its heart. As such, it is immensely proud of what the Scheme has achieved in helping so many bowlers
Here are few pieces of feedback received from successful applicants: –
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“Thank you so much for the grant for the Bowls Royce Electric Wheelchair. I am looking forward to getting back into training…for the indoor season and out door season as well.”
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“I’m writing to express my deepest gratitude for all the support you’ve given me. After having several medical procedures, I’ve been confined to a wheelchair. But with the recent help of many amazing individuals and the British Wheelchair Bowls Association, I have been able to secure joint funding. This means I can now continue to enjoy my beloved sport of bowling independently for many more years. It’s going to make a world of difference in my quality of life, and I can’t thank you enough for all your hard work and dedication.”
However, we have to make sure that the charity has a sufficient base level of funding. With that in mind, we are pausing the Scheme for the time being. We will keep this under review so watch out for future news.