History

The Australian Blind Bowlers Association was formed in 1977 in order to provide a sport for Blind and Vision Impaired people.

Since 1985 until 2002the Association was under the patronage of Mr John Dobbie A.M. who was been a very prominent figure in Lawn Bowls at Australian and International levels. Since then the Association has been under the Patronage of Mr. Bruce Hensell.

The first Association to be formed was Victoria in 1976, South Australia formed in 1979, New South Wales in 1980, Queensland and Western Australia in 1982 and Northern Territory in 1992. Former members were ACT and Tasmania who have both disbanded due to the small numbers of bowlers.

Australian Blind Bowls Championships commenced in 1980 and are held annually. Affiliated State Associations host these on a rotational basis. World Bowls Championships are held every four years.

Achievements: In the short time that has elapsed since ABBA was formed, we have achieved much in the way of International recognition and are recognised as one of the top nations in this sport. Our players have improved through hard work and by the generous support of sighted bowling clubs.

Most of our players hold memberships with sighted clubs and many play on a regular basis in pennant and other competitions thus proving that integration between sighted and visually impaired people can be successful.

Australia recently hosted the 9th World Blind Bowls Championships at Glenroy in Melbourne and once again won the prestigious Harry Atkinson Trophy for the best Nation. We are now looking forward to defending this title in England in 2013.