Imagine facing a world that often judges you first by appearance. For someone living with a rare facial deformity, those moments can quietly accumulate. Sport offers a powerful interruption to that narrative. When you step onto a lane, court, or field, the focus shifts completely—from how you look to what you can do.
I’ve been fortunate to represent at both club league and interprovincial level (Novice and Scratch) in tenpin bowling over the past few years. While the sport may be less visible than other codes, it holds a dedicated and passionate community of players across the country—even more so in the years following COVID-19 and the lockdown.
There’s a unique thrill in gripping a 12lb (5.4kg) bowling ball, lining up your shot, and sending it hurtling down the lane. It’s a physically demanding sport—one that can be taxing on the shoulders and wrists. This is especially true for me, given the scar tissue and shoulder mobility challenges I live with following major surgery in 1994.
Having competed in a few tenpin bowling tournaments (2008 – 2009), came out as Champion in the Novice division as well as the first ever Let’s Go Bowling Superbowl where i came first in the novice division and Semi-finals (in the scratch division). The prize for the winner was to represent South Africa at the Qubica AMF World Cup.
Yet, bowling has given me more than competition. It has given me confidence in my body again. Sport releases endorphins, yes, but more importantly, it builds self-worth. Each strike, spare, and hard-fought frame becomes proof that progress and joy are still possible.
One of the greatest gifts bowling has given me is connection. Being part of a sporting community creates bonds that transcend appearance.
Shared goals, friendly rivalries, and moments of celebration—those high-fives after a great shot or the laughter between frames, slowly dissolve feelings of isolation. These friendships, formed on and off the lanes, are ones I will treasure for life.