HAMPTON, Va. — Athletes from across the country gathered at Century Lanes in Hampton on Saturday for the Southeastern Blind Bowlers Association's (SBBA) annual tournament, proving that passion for the sport transcends physical limitations. Marie Van Liere has been knocking down pins for more than half a century. "After awhile I get rid of them because they're just, I don't have anywhere to put them, and they're dust collectors," Van Liere said. Despite being legally blind since birth, Van Liere has competed at national and international levels, showcasing the determination that defines the blind bowling community. I can bowl with people who have the same type of disability I have," Van Liere said.