Bowling: Bowling aids helping Tauranga players enjoy their game and independence again

For Bryan Burton, having a bowling arm has allowed his the freedom to enjoy the sport he has spent decades enjoying.

The Tauranga man, affectionately known as Possum, admits he's not as able-bodied as he used to be suffering from injuries and ailments, including a cyst on his spine, which has limited his mobility in his back. He even had to give up bowling for about 12 months.

However, ever since Possum found a device to help his mobility - his Hacksaw Bowling Arm - he's been able to continue to play bowls, just as well as he used to.

A bowling arm allows a person to pick up and grip a bowl by cupping a hand over a lever and hold lightly. Once the user straightens their fingers, the bowl is released.

"If I didn't have this I wouldn't be playing bowls today," Possum says.

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In fact, he and his bowls partner Tony Long, affectionately known as Crash, were the overall winners of Tauranga South Bowling Club's Bowling Arm Tournament last week, which attracted 24 players from around the Bay of Plenty region.

Bryan 'Possum' Burton loves the freedom his Hacksaw Bowling Arm gives him to enjoy the sport he loves. Photo / George Novak

Possum and his wife, Diane Burton, were part of the organising group who helped plan the tournament last week, which saw entrants play four games of variety pairs games.

The pair says the tournament is unique and don't know of any other club in the city that has hosted such a competition.

Possum says the majority of the players have back and leg problems, which means bending and picking up a bowl can prove difficult. It also means many are unable to enjoy the sport that allows them so much enjoyment.

He says with the bowling arm, he and his fellow bowlers can enjoy the freedom of playing again and they love it.

"I can play all day, it's amazing."

"I'm as competitive as I was 30 years ago. This is like old times again."

Diane and Possum say the tournament was well received and the club has plans to make it annual event. They say they wouldn't be surprised if other clubs also hold similar events.