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Blind bowlers want to be kings of pins!
A PAIR of blind bowlers are hoping to be crowned King Pins this weekend.
Kevin Hope and Walter McGreavy, both from South Shields, have been picked to play in the British Blind Sport Ten Pin Championships, in Swindon, where they will take on 11 of the best teams in the country.
Mr Hope, from Marsden, gradually lost his sight over the last 15 years due to a degenerateive condition.
After coming to terms with the changes to his lifestyle, including giving up his job as a baker, the 55-year-old was then dealt another blow when he was diagnosed with a brain tumour five years ago.
But the determined father-of-five said he will not let anything get in his way of winning.
He said: "I'm now in remission. It hasn't been easy over the last few years, but you just have to get on with it.
"I've been bowling for about three years now, and I absolutely love it."
Mr Hope, who has only about 30 per cent of his sight left, first got involved in bowling after joining the Visually Impaired (VIP) Friendship Group, based in Laygate.
He said: "The group has been a godsend, we meet every Wednesday and have a chat. We then play games like dominos and bingo, and have quizzes. It's built up the confidence of so many users."
The pair practise once a fortnight at The Dunes Amusement Arcade, on South Shields Seafront.
They play under the name The Dunes – after the arcade – and will be up against 11 other teams plucked from a total of 40, spread across four leagues nationwide.
And despite their disabilities, the pair, who are coached by Stephen Nesbitt, from South Shields, don't use any specialist equipment.
Mr Hope said: "We don't get strikes every time, but we do quite often."
During the competition the grandfather-of-seven will be using his new bowling ball and shoes, which he bought from a 142 grant awarded by South Tyneside Blind Welfare.
Mr Nesbitt added: "For the last three years they've made it into the championships every time. Last time they came sixth over all, so they stand a very good chance this weekend.
"They're both great players. The environment they play in is very professional, and I'm sure they'll have a great time."
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Weather for South Shields
Wednesday 08 February 2012
Today
Sunny spells
Temperature: -2 C to 2 C
Wind Speed: 16 mph
Wind direction: South
Tomorrow
Light rain
Temperature: 1 C to 3 C
Wind Speed: 9 mph
Wind direction: South
