Hidden Heroes TWO OF A REMA
Few people epitomise our hidden heroes mantle more than Barry and Steven Nicholson. The 34-year-old twins from Huddersfield have overcome learning difficulties to become fine bowlers, win numerous titles – and help save their town’s indoor bowling club
B
arry and Steven Nicholson’s remarkable story begins in 1996, when mum Marie took up the game of bowls: “One day,
I was at a local garage when an acquaintance asked if I fancied having a go at bowls. I said yes, and that’s where it started.” Marie began with crown green bowling and
was soon hooked. And, after an uncertain beginning with the indoor game, she ended up loving that too. “My husband Dave wanted to have a go and,
since the boys come everywhere with us, we thought they should try it. We visited the local indoor rink and they took to it straight away. They were complete naturals.”
SUPER SPORTSMEN Maybe that was no surprise. Despite being affected by learning difficulties since birth, both have always been enthusiastic – and successful – sportsmen.
Marie said: The boys had problems with their
co-ordination when they were young, but I got them both involved in sport at an early age. Steven loves football and rugby, and Barry loves golf and darts. Early on, we joined Wakefield Harriers athletics club and they won a lot of medals. However, they had to give up when
they started to get injuries due to the tightness in their muscles.” As an alternative, Barry wanted to have a go at
golf and won a medal at his first attempt, while Steven took up ten-pin bowling. However, it was the other type of bowling that saw them come into their own. Marie continued: “We joined the
Huddersfield indoor bowls club, and since then, the boys have progressed – now, they’re playing in mainstream bowling.” Initially, Barry and Steven took
part in competitions for people with disability that were held in Scarborough. Sadly, these contests
balance and their spatial awareness, and they are on a level playing field with able-bodied people when they’re playing bowls
40 NationwideBowler
It’s really helped them with their
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