Randy Fred's gold-medal win in the 2014 BBAC National Visually Impaired Lawn Bowling Championship held in Brantford, Ont. Sept. 3 through Sept. 7 qualifies him to play in the IDB World Championship. The World tournament is scheduled for Feb. 16 to Feb. 27 in Lower Hutt, New Zealand.
"My director, Don Sherry, and I played very well together in Brantford," said Fred. "Don was Elaine Smithson's director when she played in the World Championship. Elaine is the bowler from whom I learned to throw the ball the way I do. It is physically challenging but, for me, it is much more accurate than bowling the way sighted bowlers throw."
Randy, Don and another bowler from Nanaimo and his director need to fundraise to get them to the New Zealand World Championship.
"It's going to take a lot of work to raise sufficient funds to get us to the World Championship but we are going for it. Just for Don and myself we need to raise $10,000. . . and we have only four months," said Fred. Several fundraisers are being planned and several grant and sponsorship applications are in the works.
Fred's story is being put on www.fundrazr.com in hopes of generating donations from individuals, organizations and corporations.
"Every dollar helps and I hope friends, family and acquaintances can help in any way to assist to make this tournament possible for me and my director. For me, it's a once-in-a-lifetime experience. I have worked hard over the past 15 years to get up to a calibre to compete in a World Championship and I know I can play well under such pressure."
If you can help with cash donations contact the Fundrazr site or call Randy Fred at 250-741-0153 or e-mail him at randyfred@shaw.ca
