Fono to play Blind Bowls at Nationals and World Championship

Let me tell you a little story about my friend called Niusolifono Skipps AKA Fono…

Fono is an inspiration to all who know her.

She has a positive impact upon everyone around her; strangers, family and friends alike!

Having spent most of her childhood in and out of Hospital, in Samoa where she was born, meant that her start to life was a challenge.

Despite this start she always strives to put God and her family first.

Fono has survived rheumatic fever as a child, two double valve replacement heart surgeries, a triple heart bypass, a stroke in 2006, bilateral hip replacements in 2017, type 2 Diabetes as well as her gall bladder and spleen removed.

Finally, a severe case of sepsis took hold which landed her in ICU for twelve months, putting her devoted partner through the distress of wondering if she would make it through each day.

Due to this sepsis ordeal in 2005 she lost one eye and the hearing in one ear and has only 10% vision remaining in her working eye.

She endured multiple surgeries on her legs due to the sepsis infection which resulted in all of her toes being amputated hence her need for a walking stick and specialised shoes.

Despite ALL of these challenges and multiple disabilities, Fono is a survivor. Never once has she given up on life or aiming to make the most of every day.

Fono has a witty sense of humour and practices the attitude of gratitude like an expert!

She was an active member at Virgin Active gym until the “Bowling Bug” gripped her last year in June, after a four year hiatus from regular vision-impaired bowling due to mobility barriers.

Fono belongs to the Avalon Bowling Club and participates in both the Blind Bowlers Association events and regular member weekly bowling days.

In September last year, Fono participated in the NSW State championships tournament in Gosford!!

See the photos!

Fono has a dream to compete in Perth this April/May for the Blind Bowlers Association at the National Championships where all States compete and then, wait for it… also try out to represent Australia at the World Championships in New Zealand in 2026!!

So the reason for setting this GoFundMe page up is to support Fono (& myself, Bec Fish, her enthusiastic carer/Director for Bowls) to cover the costs of the following to enable us to get to Perth:

1. Return Flights to Perth

2. Accommodation for 2 weeks

3. Food for 2 weeks

4. Another uniform each

If you can make any contribution to this worthy cause and help make Fono’s dream come true I know that she will be so appreciative and proud to fly the flag for Blind Bowlers NSW and hopefully for Australia in 2026!