Strikes of joy: An afternoon of bowling at the St Christopher and St Lawrence Centre
A facility run by Santa Casa da Misericórdia de Lisboa organises an activity that brings a sparkle to the eyes of those who take part.
At Santa Casa’s S. Cristóvão and S. Lourenço Multipurpose Social Centre, time seems to take on a different rhythm every 15 days. Whilst on Wednesday mornings one of the rooms is filled with folk songs, that same room, on the afternoons of the same day, is set aside and organised for an activity that brings a sparkle to the eyes of those taking part: adapted bowling.
The space is transformed to accommodate more than 20 participants, including those who play and those who simply want to cheer them on. Everyone is closely supported by an instructor and three community geriatric care assistants (AGAC). As Ana Paula Sousa, head of socio-cultural activities, explains, this is not just a sport, but “a leisure activity adapted for this group.”
Here, the strict rules of the original game give way to inclusion. Because each participant has very different physical abilities and needs, the game is played whilst seated, using the same soft boccia balls (an activity that alternates with bowling every 15 days), the only ones which, after some testing, proved to be ideal for the participants’ hands. With three attempts to knock down the ten pins, the aim is to bowl a strike, but the real reward is taking part.
The afternoon begins to the sound of lively music and a sense of anticipation. Mrs J. ‘kicks things off’; although she misses with her first ball, she manages to knock down eight pins with her second, finishing her turn with a satisfied air. Next, Mrs G. shows off her skill: three strikes in a row, a feat that draws applause from the room.
Mr D. also makes his mark, knocking down seven pins with precision. And Mrs E., who has a serious vision problem, does not let her poor eyesight keep her from the game. With humour and tenderness, she cradles the ball and jokes: “Open your eyes, see where you’re going.”
As well as being obvious fun, this activity is a cornerstone of health for the Centre’s users. Ana Paula Sousa explains: “The main focus is on maintaining motor skills and concentration through stimulation and coordination, ensuring that the game takes account of each person’s physical posture so that no one is left out because of their limitations, whilst at the same time promoting emotional wellbeing, encouraging social interaction that combats isolation and lifts everyone’s spirits.”
From the days when they improvised with water bottles to the summer games on the terrace (with side rails to guide the path), bowling, at this Misericórdia de Lisboa venue, is living proof that, with care and adaptation, everyone can break down the barriers that life imposes on them.
