The Bowling Association for the Disabled (Singapore), or BADS, in short, is a non-profit sports association. BADS was set up with the objective to create bowling environments and opportunities for all disabled persons in Singapore, regardless of background, ability, and experience. In collaboration with the Singapore Disability Sports Council (SDSC), their ultimate aim is to organise and co-ordinate bowling activities with the intent to train an elite team of disabled bowlers to represent Singapore in international competitions.
Bowling is an inherently adaptable sport. Hence, it can be easily catered to disabled persons through the use of adapted equipment. For instance, ramps and balls with equipped handles are available for children or bowlers who are unable to use their fingers to hold and/or swing the ball. Rails are also available for the blind and visually impaired as a guide for ball delivery. Furthermore, for new players or children, gutter rails can be set up to generate interest in the sport.
Like other para-sports, Tenpin Bowling also has classifications to make sure that athletes compete with others of the same abilities. According to the International Bowls for the Disabled (IBD), the recognized classifications are:
Classification | Description |
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B1 | No light perception in either eyes, and no recognition of hand movements at any distance or any direction. |
B2 | Has the ability to recognize hand movements up to a visual acuity of 2/60 (Berkeley Rudimentary Test), and/or a visual field of less than 5 degrees. |
B3 | Has a visual acuity of better then 2/60 up to a visual acuity of 6/60, and/or a visual field of more than 5 degrees and less than 20 degrees. |
B4 | An Individual with intellectual impairment. |
B8 | Wheelchair bowlers with normal function in throwing arm and has a moderate or good sitting balance |
B9 | An individual who is able to bowl from standing position and has motor paresis of the lower extremity or lower limb extremity. |
B10 | An individual who has moto paresis of the upper extremity pr upper limb amputee. |