Officer honoured for removing barriers to sport

A police officer from Bristol, who became disabled after surviving a hit-and-run, has been recognised for improving accessibility at a bowls club.

Alan Lambourne, who works for Avon and Somerset Police, was the victim of a motorbike accident while driving home from duty, in November 1998.

It left him with several injuries and he has had a total of 19 operations so far.

Mr Lambourne went on to join the Olveston and District Bowls Club, north of Bristol, where he has helped to install new accessibility aids.

Mr Lambourne, who also used to coach sports, told the BBC's Extra Time programme that his life "changed completely" after the accident.

He was previously right-handed and has had to adapt by learning to use his left hand, due to the resulting disability.

He said it was an occupational therapist who suggested he tried bowls, which he admitted he thought was for "old people".

"It was something I'd never thought of," he said.

"I used to play cricket, rugby, football and volleyball, but after losing all of my sports to my injuries, I went to bowls.

"As soon as I got on the green and started playing, I fell in love with it."

Mr Lambourne became a member of the Bristol Arrow Bowling Club and did a coaching course there, before joining Olveston and District Bowls Club.

Since joining over a decade ago, he has helped secure more than £5,500 in grants to improve accessibility and inclusivity at the Gloucestershire club.

And he has taken on a leading role introducing a range of accessibility aids, including arm extensions, a bowls wheelchair and a special ramp to help members with mobility issues get onto the green.

Mr Lambourne has also been trying to bring more young people to the club.

"The perspective that bowls is an old sport is so far from the truth," he said.

"It's not something youngsters come across very often, so getting them involved is hard work.

"But this year we have five young members joining the beginners course, and hopefully they'll then tell their friends.

"It looks like we're going in the right direction."

Bowls England Awards, which celebrate individuals and teams within the bowls community, recognised Mr Lambourne with a Diversity & Inclusion award.

The awards event took place on the 22 February.

Speaking about the difference playing bowls has made since his accident 27 years ago, he said without it his life would not have been the same.

"If it wasn't for bowls, I don't know where I would be," he said.

"It has certainly helped the social side and being able to be competitive again, as sports kept me going mentally and physically."