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Interview with Daniel Adams |
The 32-year-old has come a long way since
he started playing at the age of 18, and now he is determined to
give something back to the game he loves- while making sure that
everyone feels included within the sport. Daniel, who has Asperger′s Syndrome and learning difficulties, got off to a nervous start at Tye Green IBC, but with a good support network, his confidence soon grew. In 2019 he represented England in the first ever Learning Disabilities Indoor Bowls International Series in Scotland which England won. “It came down to the last end of the match on my rink I drew in the winning bowl to win the series,” Daniel said. “My mum and dad never gave up on me and supported me with my bowls right from when I started. They were always there to help me if needed and without them I wouldn't be here today.” Later that year Daniel received the Active Harlow 'Sports Personality of the Year Award' for his outstanding sporting accomplishments. He also undertook a Level 1 coaching certificate and is now celebrating after recently receiving his Level 2 award. Daniel said: “Completing my Level 2 Coach Bowls course was like a dream come true and I received an incredible response from DBE and Bowls England for my great achievement. “I thought I would like to have a go at coaching and I really enjoyed it and Coach Bowls can see the potential in me. “I want to help other people in to the sport, help improve their game and give back to the sport that changed my life. “The process was great, I did three online sessions on Zoom and two practical sessions. The work can be done online which was a lot easier for me and my own game improved. “Now my plans are to teach different shots to bowlers, encourage communication, teamwork and to be positive. I also want to do my Level 3 award.” Daniel's aim to be a good role model for other people with disabilities has seen him lead weekly coaching sessions for a wide variety of community groups. He said: “Bowls is a fantastic sport to play in and can be great to get people together and have fun. “I think bowls is excellent on the inclusive side. I have played against amputee bowlers, wheelchair users, people from ethnically-diverse backgrounds, visually impaired bowlers, elderly people and youngsters. “On Saturdays I teach about 6-8 people who have different abilities, disabilities and long-term health conditions, I treat everyone the same and whatever pace people take to progress to achieve is always acceptable in my teachings. “The value of inclusion and social acceptance means you have to remove all barriers of taking part in sport so it can just be enjoyed. “Whatever the age of the person, race, gender, disability, medical, background or anything else, clubs should accept everyone this sport is open to everyone and brings all kinds of people to the game. “People feel like they belong here and at our club we believe anyone can play sport and that everyone deserves to be accepted as who they are.” In addition to his coaching commitments, Daniel is an Active Essex All Together ambassador. And during Covid he embarked on a difficult personal challenge to raise money for and awareness of Disability Bowls England (DBE), while remembering his late mum Julie, After walking 221 miles and raising more than £1,000, Daniel said: “I started to take things off my mind. From now, every win will be for my mum. She was always next to me, cheering me on in every match. “My mum once said; 'My inspirational athletes are the ones with disabilities.' And she is right.” Daniel's dream is to see Learning Disability Bowls in the Commonwealth Games. “That is the biggest frustration for me as I feel left out,” he said.“In the Commonwealth Games the Parabowls has physically disabled and visually impaired players but no-one with learning disabilities.  “I hope this gets looked in to so we can include more opportunities for the Learning Disability Bowls community. We do have the series which is great, I just wish we could be on the world stage against other international teams and give learning disability bowlers the same opportunities as others. I would love this change to happen. “In bowls there are many names I look up to as role models. The main ones are the late great David Bryant, Tony Allcock, Greg Harlow, Natalie Chestney and Sian Honnor. “I decided to stay in bowls in 2010 when Natalie Chestney won gold at the Commonwealth Games in Delhi, I thought if she can win medals then so can I, I was motivated by watching her and inspired by her. “For some strange reason I like seeing the women do well and show the men that they can play aswell. “My own goals are to continue to represent England and win more national titles in the DBE Circuit, as I completely love these tournaments.” Daniel competes in a league at Tye Green IBC during the winter as well as playing in roll ups to practice different shots. He enters as many DBE competitions during the winter season as possible. Daniel said: “Although bowls is an easy game to explain, it takes time to master. I love both indoors and outdoors as I play all year round and I never look back. “I'm glad I found this sport and I love being part of it.” Sian Honnor Previous ArticleYaz Hasan Previous Article Nick Brett Previous Article Andy Knapper Previous Article Jacqueline Henderson |
November 2022
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