Year of Disability Sport & Physical Activity 2026
HIBA v VIBE Allstars, November 19th 2025
Inclusive Bowls Event Brings Together Hertfordshire Clubs and VIBE
The event was in support of the No Limits 2026 campaign
Nov 19th saw Harpenden & Districts Indoor Bowling Club (HDIBC) host a terrific match played between Herts Indoor Bowls Association (HIBA) and a Visually Impaired Bowls England (VIBE) Allstars Team.
The match launched Herts: the Year of Disability Sport & Physical Recreation 2026 and has come after 9 months of planning, that has brought together HDIBC, HIBA and each of its member clubs, Luton Indoor Bowling Club, 12 Hertfordshire outdoor bowling clubs, Herts Sports Partnership (HSP), Herts Disability Sport Foundation, Activity Alliance, Harpenden Town Council, the Mayors of St Albans, Dacorum and Harpenden and VIBE.
The match provided the opportunity to bring focus to the importance, value and impact of fully accessible, inclusive sport, and marked the first step in a 15 month long programme to educate, train and coach bowls clubs across the region on how best to open their doors and provide a safe, rewarding and welcoming community to people of all abilities.
HIBA, VIBE and HDIBC were joined on the day by Madam Mayors Terry Heritage, Mayor of St Albans, Catherine McArevey, Mayor of Dacorum and Beth Fisher, Mayor of Harpenden.
The game itself was played in a superb spirt and revealed the remarkable skills of both teams. Herts, Watford, Luton, Harpenden, Hatfield and Cheshunt Indoor Bowling Clubs all were represented and played in their club colours, to celebrate their collaboration and commitment to open access and sports enablement.
The Mayors were remarkable, as were the players’ guide dogs, both of whom stole the show.
For anyone looking to participate or learn more then further details are available on Herts Indoor Bowls Association https://www.hertsiba.com/disability-bowls.
A huge shout out to John Hollowell and Scott Valance from VIBE, Adrian Ledbury and the team from HSP, all the members of HDIBC and the leadership teams of all participating clubs, who made this very special day possible.
Chris Ellins
Director HDIBC Limited & Chair HIBA
