A CHAMPION ten-pin bowling team is encouraging people to break down barriers as well as pins at a fundraising bowling night.

Bowling brigade the Swindon Amigos will join charity Wiltshire Sight for the event at the TenPin, at the Shaw Ridge Leisure Park, on October 5.

The challenge is being held ahead of World Sight Day on October 10, which focuses global attention on blindness and visual impairment.

Russell Riggs is a team member of the Swindon Amigos, a team of bowling buddies with varying degrees of visual impairment.

The team, recently joined by fifth member David Cole, are fresh from their success in the British Blind Sport National Trios Final and will be on hand to provide expert advice and mentoring during the evening.

Freshbrook-based Russell, who is registered blind, said the evening of ten-pin bowling would help show people that any obstacle can be overcome in the world of sport.

“It is fantastic fun, anyone can get involved and also see that anything is possible in the world of sport. We may have a disability but we still have the ability to do well at whatever we try our hands at," Russell said.

“Hopefully there will be some friendly competition between the companies involved and we’re hoping for a bit of rivalry on the night to spice things up.”

Blind Ten Pin bowling is growing in popularity and people with all levels of visual impairment can take part. If needed, participants can be aided by guiding rails to ascertain the start of the bowling lanes, sighted assistants, barriers and a handicap system.

Russell said the evening would also give an insight into the different techniques used in the sport.

“There’s a great atmosphere at these events, and a real sense of friendship and camaraderie, everyone supports each other, learns a lot about the different ways in which we bowl and just has a great night,” he said.

Prizes will also be awarded to the best male, female, junior and team players throughout the evening.

Jo Young from Wiltshire Sight is now appealing for businesses to strike their way into the competition and sign up. She said: “Bowling is a great way to have fun, meet new people, and support a fantastic local challenge, in a competitive and friendly way. We hope as many people as possible will join us for what promises to be a really fun event.”

Wiltshire Sight supports and provides services to more than 2,500 registered blind and partially sighted people living in Wiltshire and Swindon They aim to give visually impaired people support, information and advice to help them be as independent as possible.

Tickets for the event are £10 for adults and £5 for under 16s. To sign up call 01380 723682 or email info@wiltshiresight.org.