AN AMMANFORD opticians has lent its support to Welsh Association of Visually Impaired Bowlers (WAVIB).

Specsavers has joined forces with 33 other Specsavers stores across mid and south Wales to sponsor the association ahead of its first championship of the 2014 season.

The store on Quay Street is supporting the 53 players and members of the association as they travel to tournaments across Wales and the UK.

The sponsorship sees Specsavers in Ammanford contribute towards the travel and accommodation costs for the tournaments played by members of the WAVIB, as well as team kit branding.

Kevin McCarthy, director of Specsavers in Ammanford, said: "We’re absolutely delighted to support the Welsh Association of Visually Impaired Bowlers for the first time this year.

"At Specsavers we regularly work with customers who are visually impaired, and we strive to promote the importance of regular eye tests to monitor and appropriately treat any eye health concerns. Our sponsorship of the WAVIB reinforces that if you suffer from sight loss, it does not have to restrict you from taking part in team sports, which is a common misconception.

"Nurturing sporting links is a priority for Specsavers in Wales. And we’re always keen to lend our support to causes that we can share with our customers, which we know will be of interest to them."

The WAVIB is made up of players from bowls club from across Wales, including Barry, Blackwood, Cardiff, Milford Haven, Newport and Swansea.

The Welsh Singles Championships for visually impaired bowlers will be held in Swansea on 3-5 June. The tournament will decide which of the WAVIB players will go on to compete at the UK Four Nations Championships in Kelvingrove, Glasgow, which will also be the venue for the Commonwealth Games Bowls competition.

Bill Marshall, vice-chairman of the WAVIB, said: "I’d like to thank Specsavers in Wales for supporting the association. It’s an honour to have such a well-known global brand backing us this year.

"It’s an exciting time to be part of the WAVIB. We’re gearing up for the Welsh Singles Championships that will determine which members will be representing us at the UK Championships, and two of our members will be flying the flag for us in Glasgow this summer when they represent Wales at the Commonwealth Games this coming July.

"The association prides itself on bringing together a community of people, from all walks of life, to enjoy the sport. We’re delighted to have Specsavers’ support in what is sure to be a packed year of activity."

For details of a bowls club in your area phone Bill Marshall on 01792 361894 or Tony Harris on 01495 271376.