Yesterday (Sunday 16 August), Victoria Park was an emphatic showcase of why bowls truly is for all, as junior, senior and disability competitions and events got underway across every green under the Royal Leamington Spa sunshine.

Taking centre stage with the backdrop of the historic Royal Leamington Spa clubhouse, was the annual Bowling With A Disability Celebration Match. Captained by Bowls England Chair, Jo Doust (Red Team) and East Vice President Sue Bard-Bodek (White Team), the friendly, yet competitive, contest for the Friendship Trophy was a culmination of the continued growth, and success of our Disability programme.

The event brought together 50 players with visual impairments and their respective directors, physical disabilities, hearing impairments and learning difficulties, all representing 19 counties from across the country and competing in several formats, leading to an overall team winner. The standard of play was exceptional, with participants demonstrating impressive skill, commitment, and, above all, camaraderie throughout the match.

“I wanted to thank you and your team for a fantastic day of exercise and fun. I smiled most of the day and got a B6 classification at the clinic, so that is another achievement ticked off.” – Bowling With A Disability Celebration Match player

Sue Bard-Bodek’s team emerged victorious, and were presented with the Friendship Trophy, which was kindly donated by the Friends of English Bowling and presented by Kath Lloyd. Following the match, members of the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games Para Squad joined Jo and Sue in presenting commemorative medals to all participants, recognising their contribution to a memorable occasion.

“The warm glow of yesterday is still burning inside me. Thank you, means an awful lot.” – Bowling With A Disability Celebration Match player

While there was only one team who took home the trophy, the real winners were friendship, fellowship, and the clear showcase of how bowls brings people together, creating opportunities for everyone to participate, compete, and belong.

“Since taking on the responsibility of disability bowls, alongside the EIBA, at Bowls England we have worked hard to build the profile of our disability bowlers, whilst providing new opportunities for those who may not have considered taking up the sport before. Through active promotion and our successful Bowling With A Disability Open Days and celebration matches, and the support of our affiliated clubs across the country, we are proud to say that we have grown our community of disability bowlers, and will continue to celebrate their successes at incredible moments like this. It is a privilege to see these players, who do not consider themselves to have a disability, take to the green and demonstrate their ability – whether playing for fun, to remain fit, meet new people, challenge themselves or reach the heights of the England team.” – Helen Lewis-Wall, Bowls England Disability Officer

If you would like to find out more about Bowling With a Disability and how you can get involved, follow the link below: