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JOHN GREAVES IS ON A MISSION TO MAKE THE COMMONWEALTH GAMES |
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"I'm at the club coaching or playing every single day," he
says. "Literally anybody can play this game. It really is meant for
everybody. More people need to play it." That belief has become the foundation of John's career, one that spans 36 years and multiple national accolades - including his third Disability Bowls England Singles title, and most recently, the DBE Pairs with Commonwealth Games bronze medallist Craig Bowler. "Playing with Craig, even though he's got his Commonwealth medal, he'd never won a national title," John explains. "I've won it three times now with different partners, but that was the first time with Craig - he was over the moon. That made it more enjoyable for me." It's clear that the joy of seeing others succeed now drives him just as much as his own results. His passion for coaching is grounded in the simplest moments.  "When I'm coaching brand new bowlers, and they come along and their faces light up when they get near the jack - I just have a love for the game at every level." John's own journey into bowls was far from planned. "One day I had to take some dictation down to a bowls club... and that was the start." Despite living with constant pain in his shoulder and being born without a hand due to a twisted umbilical cord, John has spent most of his bowling career competing in able-bodied tournaments. It wasn't until 2019 that he was introduced to disability bowls. "It was another bowler from Wellingborough, who's in a wheelchair, who asked me to play in a competition with him. When I came off, they told me I was a national pairs champion. I didn't even know the competition existed!" That moment opened his eyes - not just to new competition, but to a whole new community. "It was the first time I'd ever bowled against somebody who had one hand. I'd never come across another bowler like myself. And then you had Craig there - there are so many amazing stories and great people and it's like a community, everyone cheering each other on." Even in the face of daily pain, John continues to show up, finding ways to manage. "I wear pain patches 12 hours a day and rest a lot. I've had multiple operations, but there's nothing more they can do for it. I just have to live with what I've got." Looking ahead, his focus is clear. "I want to play in the 2026 Commonwealth Games," he said. "For this event to be played indoors for the first time is great - there's less pressure on the shoulders. Some of the outdoor greens are just so heavy. I feel like I've put myself in a good position with the season I've had and that would be the ultimate for me." Until then, he'll keep doing what he always has: giving his all - not just to the game, but to everyone who wants to be part of it. "It's a great game," he says, without hesitation. "And it's meant for everyone." Sian Honnor. We' d love to know what bowls means to you, get in touch at info@eiba.co.uk Previous Article - Interview with Eden and Olive Nolan, Kent's rising stars |
May 2025
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