THE INTERNATIONAL Blind Bowlers Association (IBBA) held its world championships, at Tweed Heads, from Monday, March 6 to Thursday, March 16.
Scott Kinnear has walked away with a gold medal.
Proserpine Bowler Scott Kinnear came away with double gold medals, in the Singles and Mixed Pairs.
In the past few years, Mr Kinnear has excelled in the blind section of disability games so, in late 2022, was invited to attend a selection trial for possible inclusion in the Australian Squad.
Mr Kinnear was selected in the Australian team to play in both the Singles and the Pairs category, in the B4 Classification.
Secretary of the Proserpine Bowls Club Heather Brown said Mr Kinnear’s success was of no surprise to her.
“Scott is a serious talent, so it didn’t come as any surprise that, once they had seen him play – his ability to cope with a variety of green speeds and weather conditions – that he would earn a spot in the team, and in the hearts of so many of the spectators,” she said.
Mr Kinnear has a degenerative eyesight problem, which unfortunately causes him visual impairment.
So, he selected his younger brother Shane Kinnear to act as his director for the competition.
Shane was responsible for assisting Scott with distance and position of bowls.
In the Tweed Heads championships, Mr Kinnear played in a team with Sharon Dunk and the pair won against England, Hong Kong, South Africa and New Zealand.
“Despite the great bowls played and the exhibition of the teamwork between the brothers, and Sharon Dunk and her director, the thing that impressed me most was the sportsmanship that was displayed in each and every game,” Ms Brown said.
“In the pairs game that was livestreamed, played against New Zealand, Shane was being trusted to do all the measuring. That just shows the level of trust and trustworthiness that was on display.
“Australia was the overall winner of the event. I am sure that Scott will now continue to have this avenue for competitive bowls open for him.
“Both gentlemen made us all so proud.”
