David Leggat: Many sacrifices made in pursuit of dream

Blake Signal has won three national bowling titles. Photo / Natalie Slade

Blake Signal's story is not unique, but deserves to be told.

The Lower Hutt bowler is making his first appearance at a Commonwealth Games, as the lead to Richard Girvan in the pairs, and No2 in a distinctly handy four.

He almost didn't make it and his is a story of sacrifices for his sport.

This is not a world of large cheques, endorsements, an easy ride to the top.

The 32-year-old has a large mortgage, he's a family man with a 5-year-old and another child on the way.

Signal isn't getting paid while he's in Glasgow. He works as a merchandiser ensuring his company's products are well stocked at supermarkets.

A while back he decided it was time to take stock.

"This was the cutoff date for me," Signal said. "If I hadn't made it I had a feeling that would have been it for me. I'll still play at national level, but that total commitment factor would have petered out a little bit if I hadn't made the Games team."

Signal, who has won three national titles, had worked as a groundsman for the Wellington City Council but it wasn't a good fit for his bowls. He worked for friends, did odd jobs. A friend got him work at a building company so he could pursue his bowls.

"That's been really tough. It is a big commitment but at some point you've got to draw the line. It wasn't fair on my family, so this was my line in the sand and I've been lucky enough to be picked."

Signal knows he'll have to dial things back a bit once he returns home. Financial matters need attending to.

So imagine how much performing well and - daring to dream - taking a medal home would mean to Signal.

"I definitely want to make the most of it. That's why I've put the commitment and effort into it over last six months."

There are others with similar stories of sacrifice.

Take fullbore shooter Mike Collings, back defending his pairs crown from New Delhi four years ago with John Snowden. He took redundancy from his job to put everything into his sport. Gold was his reward.

"That sums it up really," bowls coach Dave Edwards said. He was talking about the bowlers, but could have covered any number of New Zealand athletes in Glasgow.

"They're really dedicated to the cause, they love their sport and it's their passion that enables them to make the sacrifices they have."

These are the sportsmen and women you should have a good thought for.