Ron Homer’s journey from sudden blindness to Commonwealth Games competitor is a testament to resilience and the transformative power of sport. At 73, Ron will proudly represent Team England in para bowls this summer, determined to compete not just for participation, but for gold.
Competing in the pairs event alongside his director Sally-Ann Lewis-Wall, Ron embraces the challenge ahead. “You’ve got to aim for the top,” he says. “There’s no point going there thinking you’re not going to do anything. Gold would be superb.”
The scale of the Games is daunting but thrilling. “You’ve seen it on TV over the years — the opening ceremony, competing against other nations — it’s going to be an incredible experience, but I’m ready for it,” he adds confidently.
READ MORE: Somerset Council Turns to West Midlands Enforcement Officers Amid Recruitment Struggles
READ MORE: Somerset Council Races to Approve 208 New Homes at Taunton’s Largest Development
Ron’s introduction to bowls came after a life-altering medical crisis in his mid-40s: sudden loss of sight caused by detached retinas, followed by multiple surgeries. Once independent, working in the motor trade and running his own window and carpet-cleaning businesses, his world suddenly collapsed without his vision.
“I lost my sight virtually overnight,” Ron recounts. “You lose your job, you can’t drive, and everything goes dark. It was a very bleak time.”
A social worker’s suggestion to try bowls at Yeovil Bowls Club, which supports visually impaired players, marked a turning point. “I knew nothing about bowls, but I gave it a go and caught the bug. Thirty years later, bowls has been a life changer — a life saver.”
Ron’s success in para bowls includes a gold medal in the B2 section at the 2015 International Blind Bowls Association World Championships in New Zealand, as well as bronze medals in 2017 and 2023. He appreciates the sport’s inclusivity, highlighting that para bowls players compete alongside able-bodied players without needing special adaptations—just guidance on bowl placement.
Beyond competition, Ron has devoted over two decades as treasurer and remains an active committee member at the Yeovil Visually Impaired Bowls Club. His dedication earned him a British Empire Medal (BEM) in the 2026 New Year Honours.
“The award came as a surprise,” he shares. “I had to read the letter several times before it sank in, but I couldn’t tell anyone until it was public. Bowls showed me that there is life after trauma. I encourage anyone, regardless of age or ability, to give it a try.”
With his sights set on the Commonwealth Games, Ron Homer embodies determination, proving that adversity can be a springboard to new goals and achievements.