Lawn bowling for the blind was first introduced at an international level by Dr. Julius Sergay in South Africa in 1977. The then six playing countries, Australia, England, Canada, Scotland, Zimbabwe and South Africa were invited to play in the first World Championships and also to form an Interntional Association.

The Association has steadily increased in membership and now has twelve member countries. In addition to the previously mentioned six Israel, Hong Kong, New Zealand, Wales, Malaysia and Kenya are members with efforts now being aimed at the USA, Africa and Asia to join the Association. The twelve member countries boast a membership of some 5000 players which makes it the largest outdoor activity for the blind.

World Championships are held every four years and so far in addition to Scotland, South Africa, England, Australia, Zimbabwe, Canada and in 1977 New Zealand, have hosted the Championships. All three sight categories have individual championships for both men and women.The next World Championships are to be held in Melbourne, Australia in 2009.

In 1994 blind lawn bowling was introduced in the Commonwealth Games and in 1996 in the Paralympic Games, and in both cases the concept was well received.

Most countries employ a coaching system which allows the blind competitors to compete very succesfully with and against sighted players even at national level. Most World Bowling Board Associations' endorse the participation of the blind in their greens and facilities available for all our players, be it local, national or international and we are grateful for this courtesy.

There are now close to 50 countries playing lawn bowls and it is hoped that this Association will obtain more and more blind members as the time goes by.

It is a wonderful way to spend a day or an afternoon out in the fresh air and sunshine amongst friends in either friendly or serious competition knowing full well that the loss of vision is a minor setback in this sport.