BA STATEMENT ON COMMONWEALTH GAMES

Bowls Australia (BA) is deeply disappointed to learn that Victoria will not host the 2026 Commonwealth Games, recognising the considerable impact the Games has on bowls and its ability to shine a light on its athletes and community.

The Commonwealth Games is the pinnacle multi-sport event on the Australian Jackaroos calendar, with a home Commonwealth Games providing a rare opportunity to showcase incredible talent and the great inclusive aspects of a sport that features able-bodied and para men and women of all ages and backgrounds. This Commonwealth Games, more than any other, was set to focus the spotlight on Australia’s regional bowls community, highlighting athletes, coaches, officials, volunteers and clubs, in what is a heartland for the sport.

BA feels for all members of the Jackaroos who eagerly anticipated the opportunity to once again compete in front of a home crowd, following record-breaking performances on the Gold Coast in 2018 and Birmingham last year, and remains hopeful of a resolution that will see the Games staged on Australian shores in the future.

However, BA recognises that there is now uncertainty regarding the hosting of the 2026 Games and is committed to supporting Commonwealth Games Australia, and collaborating with Governments, in whatever ways possible to meet the challenges ahead.

On the immediate horizon, BA and the Jackaroos are focused on delivering and competing in the 2023 World Bowls Championships on the Gold Coast from August 29-September 10.

More than 400 competitors from 44 countries will compete in 1244 matches at the first World Bowls Championships since 2016.