2025 International Day of Persons with Disabilities - Keith Smith Q&A

To highlight 2025 International Day of Persons with Disabilities, we are profiling Keith Smith from Beechwood Bowling Club, who we are fortunate to have involved in bowls.

Keith began bowling in his teenage years after living locally to the bowling club in his hometown village of West Calder in West Lothian. He found the sport to be undoubtedly beneficial to his wellbeing and loved the inclusive environment he became a part of at the club.

The former postman proudly won a silver medal in the Bowls Scotland Gents B6 Singles at the 2024 National Championships, narrowly losing out to Fraser Mathieson from Bridge of Allan Bowling Club in the final.

We spoke to Keith to find out more about his journey so far. Read the full Q&A below:

Q1. Can you tell us a little about yourself and how you first got into bowls?

KS: “I grew up in West Calder, where to go to the shops I had to pass the local bowling club, and often I would sit on the kerb and watch. I was then asked if I wanted to come in and watch, then if I wanted to try the sport and I was instantly hooked from then.”

Q2. What was it about bowls that made you choose it over other sports?

KS: “As a teenager I was and still am quite shy but at the green I was accepted and allowed to play.”

Q3. Can you tell us about the bowling aid you use and how it helps you take part in the sport?

KS: “I now must play with a Drakes Pride bowling arm as I can't step forward and bend down at the same time. This allows me to play in two leagues outdoors and three indoors. I also can play in para specific tournaments as I’m classified as a B6 bowler.”

Q4. Has playing bowls made a difference to your physical or mental health?

KS: “As I am unable to work now, bowling keeps me active which I needed because for the last 20 years I was a postman. Bowling has always been a stress relief for me, I could be quite down at times but the minute I step on the green it calms me down.”

Q5. What would you say to someone with a disability who hasn’t tried bowls yet but is thinking about giving it a go?

KS: “Playing bowls is a good way to take you away from boredom, give you friendships and exercise at the same time. Also, if you start playing in competitive games it can give a focus to act on.”

Q6. What has been your greatest achievement in bowls so far?

KS: “There are two, winning my club championship two years on the trot and winning a silver medal at the National Championships in Ayr in the Bowls Scotland Gents B6 Singles.”

If you’ve been inspired by Keith’s story, you can find your local bowling club using our Club Finder Map. Coloured pins denote our Try Bowls and BowlsMark clubs which both offer open and inclusive events and opportunities to try the sport throughout the season.