Bowls clubs across England are being invited to register their interest in becoming a training camp for teams participating in Lawn Bowls at Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games.

Many of the 71 nations and territories taking part in the Games are looking to set up training camps across the country in order to train and acclimatise ahead of the event – and the search is now underway.

Hosting a pre-Games training camp can provide many benefits including an economic boost for both your Club and the local area.  Bowls England will work with successful clubs to ensure that the platform is used to generate local interest and get more people involved in our sport.  Bowls clubs are advised to consider how hosting may help them engage new community groups in their area and help diversify those taking part in our sport.

Bowls England Chief Executive, Jon Cockcroft, said: “This is a unique opportunity for our clubs to be part of the Commonwealth Games and use this moment to inspire people within their community, who may have a chance to watch training sessions or take part in events.  This is a nationwide initiative and Bowls England will work with successful clubs as part of our efforts to ensure Birmingham 2022 engages with our entire Bowls community.”

John Crabtree, Chair of Birmingham 2022, said: “We have frequently said that the whole region and even the whole country will benefit from Birmingham 2022 and pre-Games training camps are a really great example of how that’s possible. We are expecting 6,500 athletes and officials to come to Birmingham and the region to compete in the Games and many of those teams, especially from the larger Commonwealth nations, will be looking to arrive early, acclimatise and fine-tune their preparations, before moving into the official Games time accommodation.”

Nigel Huddleston, Minister for Sport, Tourism and Heritage, said: “This is a great opportunity for communities right across the country to play their part in Birmingham 2022. From fostering relationships with other Commonwealth nations to building the profile of local venues and facilities, there are significant benefits from hosting pre-Games training camps. I would encourage anywhere with the right facilities to express their interest.”

Any Club interested in hosting a pre-Games training camp must e-mail: B2022trainingcamps@dcms.gov.uk to express an interest and to request further information.

Although there is no official deadline for expressions of interest, applications should be submitted by the end of September 2020.