Bowls is one of the most inclusive sports out there and one of Bowls England’s top priorities is to make our sport truly accessible. In support of this, we are delighted to announce the appointment of Colin Wagstaff and Dee Worger as advocates for bowlers with a disability.
The duo will champion supportive environments, adaptive equipment and equal opportunities so that all players regardless of physical or sensory challenges can enjoy the game.
Helen Lewis-Wall, Bowls England’s Disability Officer, said:
“Lawn bowls fosters camaraderie, skill and competition whilst embracing the diverse abilities of its players. Together, we strive to break down barriers, raise awareness and ensure that every bowler feels valued on the green. We’re delighted that Colin and Dee will work with us to promote the benefits of a sport that truly welcomes all!”
COLIN WAGSTAFF – Oakham Bowls Club
Colin started to play bowls in 2010 for his local village club and four years later he tried indoor bowls. In 2016 his bowls career took off when he joined Disability Bowls England, and overnight, his confidence and enjoyment of the game went up “100 per cent”. Initially bowls was a distraction from his disability and depression but he soon realised it was something he could become very good at. Colin has won many club and disability competitions, which gives him an immense sense of pride. In 2020 he got his classification and achieved his dream to play for his country, including representing England in a test match against Scotland in Ayr in 2023. The experience made him want more and he went on to represent England in South Africa in the International Bowls for the Disabled World Championship in Johannesburg. He says he couldn’t have done any of this without the support and encouragement from lots of good friends and of course, his wife Sandra. Colin has made lots of great friends and has benefited from the game, thus, is keen to put something back into the sport he loves. He is a level 1 coach so he can help, encourage and teach others to play and enjoy bowls as much as he does. Colin is looking forward to working with Bowls England to promote our fully inclusive sport and to carry on playing as much as he can for his club, county and England.
DEE WORGER – Narborough Bowls Club
Dee has a wealth of experience working with people with a disability, across multiple sports at local, national and international level. In 1989 she volunteered for the Special Olympics, successfully organising an event for circa 120 gymnasts. The Special Gymnasts made such an impression on Dee she trained to become a Level 5 Assistant Coach and spent many years working with and coaching athletes with Learning Disabilities. This experience helped Dee to understand that those with a Learning Disability responded positively to sport with the right communication and support, which still has a profound impact on Dee today. Dee progressed to other Disabled Sports including European Football and latterly bowls, finding all of these interactions and experiences very rewarding. Dee wants to share the benefit of her experiences and give back to the game she has played and enjoyed for 40 years. She will bring all of her passion, knowledge and commitment to her advocate role as we develop our Bowlers with a Disability offering.
BOWLING WITH A DISABILITY OPEN DAY – West Backwell Bowling Club
One of the first appointments for our new advocates was the recent (11 May) Bowling With A Disability Open Day, hosted at West Backwell Bowls Club. The event saw over 50 people come along for the free event, where they had to opportunity to have a go at the sport, trying various bowling aids, hear from expert speakers and watch an exhibition match.
The aim of the event was to break down the barriers for those with a disability, allowing them to see that bowls is an option for them, as well as encouraging clubs to think about their own inclusive environments. The day was a huge success, with many people signing up to find out more about the opportunities available to them, having had a go.
“Everyone I spoke to agreed that it was a superb day. As someone relatively new to disability bowls, I enjoyed myself and learned a lot. It was also great to get some more directing practice, both in the morning taster sessions and the celebration match in the afternoon. You and the team deserve many congratulations for organising such a positive first event. West Backwell was also a brilliant choice of venue – so welcoming and inclusive!” – Jeremy Miller, Director
This event was the first of three planned Open Day for the 2025 season. Details of other upcoming events, including Development Days & Celebration Games can be found on our dedicated webpage, where you can also sign up for more information throughout the season: