No hearing no barrier for bowling

From: Sydney Hills News, Australia - Apr 23, 2003

BRUCE and Odette Shaw have a common bond.

The Kenthurst couple have had to overcome a common hurdle through their lives  deafness.

Mr Shaw uses sign language to communicate.

Mrs Shaw can hear but her parents are deaf.

Using her hands, Mrs Shaw is the voice for her husband when communicating with those who do not understand sign language.

The pair were part of The National Deaf Tenpin Bowling Championships held at Wondabowl Castle Hill over the long weekend.

The event attracted 87 deaf bowlers from around the country and international entrants from New Zealand and the United States.

Participants celebrated 21 years of the competition with social activities away from the alleys including a harbour cruise, bridge climb and white water rafting.

"We all enjoy meeting each other every year," said Jina Chapman, secretary of the National Deaf Tenpin Bowling Association.

"We are all from the same community, we come here away from our home where not everybody is deaf. Here we are all the same."

Mr Shaw has been president of the National Deaf Tenpin Bowling Association for four years.

He has bowled for 23 years and his highest score is 289.

Bowlers are informed about the national competition through newsletters and their local bowling clubs.

The Shaws are members of the Sydney Stars who hosted the championships.

The competition includes; individuals, singles, teams, doubles and masters events. Winners in each category received a trophy and prize money.

Sponsors of the championships were; Wondabowl, Sunbeam, Good Guys Castle Hill and Kmart Castle Hill.

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