Bowls England welcomes the news that the Commonwealth Games is set to be held in Glasgow in 2026 and congratulates all parties involved for making this happen.  We anticipate a great event to showcase Commonwealth Games sports across England, and beyond, inspiring many people to take part in sport.  We eagerly await further announcements on which sports will be included in the 2026 programme.

As a non-Olympic/Paralympic sport, the Commonwealth Games is Bowls’ pinnacle and only multi-sport competition.  It provides inspiration for England’s most talented bowlers, a sense of pride amongst the English bowls community who in 2022 celebrated a record medal haul for England’s bowlers, and important visibility of our sport to drive participation growth and investment.

As one of its member nations, Bowls England has been in close and regular liaison with World Bowls regarding its discussions with the Commonwealth Games Federation for 2026, and in championing all of the following:

• Bowls, as one of just six founding member sports of the Commonwealth Games, has played a pivotal role in shaping and showcasing the Commonwealth Games movement over the last 94 years.
• Bowls epitomises inclusivity and equality in sport, leading the way with combined open and para competitions, with gender equity, and Commonwealth Games medallists across a wide spectrum of ages.
• Bowls being a Commonwealth Games only sport with new, exciting format and delivery options if required.
• Bowls being heavily participated in by bigger and smaller Commonwealth nations alike.
• Bowls being a storied part of England’s rich Commonwealth Games histories.

As one of its member sports, Bowls England has also made representation to Commonwealth Games England in these respects.

For the reasons above, Bowls England is hopeful of the inclusion of Bowls in the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games and will continue to do whatever possible and necessary behind the scenes, in support to World Bowls, to see that become a reality.