Latest News from Bowls England 2025
BOWLS ENGLAND TO HOST OPEN DAYS FOR THOSE WITH A DISABILITY.
Bowls England is pleased to launch a series of open days specifically for those with a disability, working in collaboration with select clubs from across the country who are leading the way in creating inclusive spaces within our sport. The series of events are designed to increase awareness of bowls’ inclusivity and position it as a sport for the 16 million people living in the UK with a disability to consider taking up. The open day will aim to showcase the ease of playing and the available support when getting involved. The first event will take place at West Backwell Bowls Club, winners of the Diversity and Inclusion Award at the 2024 Bowls England Awards. West Backwell have made strides in becoming an inclusive space for new and existing bowlers. Their ‘Thrive With Bowls’ campaign, designed with three core aims of promoting physical activity, alleviating isolation, and enhancing mental well-being, proved to be a resounding success, increasing the club's membership and unlocking funding opportunities for the club - funding they used on improving their accessibility and more bowling aids. The next venture, ‘People Like Me, Do’ is a campaign created by the club aiming to drive awareness that those with a disability can take part, by promoting those within the sport and showcasing what is possible. Bowls England is striving to open the gateways to the sport, to embrace more people irrespective of their background or circumstance. With the sports’ intrinsically doable nature physically, financially and practically, Bowls England wants more people to realise the joy of playing sport, and how bowls plays a part in that. For Emma Price of West Backwell Bowls Club, bowls allowed her to enjoy sport again after becoming severely ill. Previously a competitive player in both hockey and golf with a busy family life and high-profile career, 12 years ago Emma suddenly became severely ill and her life changed significantly, becoming bedbound and having to rebuild her strength to then using a wheelchair and now, being able to walk using a stick. “I have always been very sporty and loved being outside. After becoming ill all of that went and I never imagined that I would be able to play and enjoy sport again - let alone be competitive at it too. Playing bowls has given me something to enjoy - physically it has made me stronger, it has got me out of the house meeting new people and it has shown me that I am still a useful engine, I just now work a little bit different.” Those with an interest is finding out more about bowling with a disability and how to get involved are invited to attend an open day, where they can hear from experts in the field, try out different bowling equipment that may help them and have a go. Bowls clubs looking to learn more about creating accessible spaces are also invited to attend and will have the opportunity to ask questions of Bowls England staff, club members and international and high-performance Para players. Activities will focus on the various disability criteria involved in the sport, visually impaired, physical disabilities and learning difficulties.
Alistair Hollis, Bowls England’s Head of Sport Development, said:
“There are so many people living with a disability who may feel that participating in sport is out of reach for them due to perceived hurdles t. Bowls’ innate ability to cater and adapt for all allows us to present the sport as something that is available for everyone, and it is our job to ensure as many people are aware of this as possible. These events are designed to break down those barriers – allowing people to enter a safe space to learn more about our sport and the measures in place to help them succeed within it.” Bowling With a Disability Open Days are taking place across three different venues throughout the season: West Backwell Bowls Club, Bristol, 11th May, 11am – 4pm Victoria Park Bowls Club, London, 21st June, Timings TBC Blaby Bowling Club, Leicestershire, 6th July, Timings TBC Alongside the interactive activities, each event will be host to an exhibition match, with teams being made up of club representatives and international Para players, that attendees can stay and watch for free. Hosting clubs will also provide various refreshments throughout the day. Find out more about the first event on the West Backwell Bowls Club Facebook page, and sign up to the event page. If you are disabled and interesting in finding out more about getting involved or know of someone who may be interested in the game, visit bowlsengland.com/bowling-with-a disability. You may also sign up to take part in disability bowls competitions, get involved in upcoming events or hear about future developments via our interest forms: Bowling With A Disability Interest Form Disability Bowls Supporter Interest Form If you are a club interested in hosting a future Bowling With a Disability Open Day, please email Bowls England’s Disability Officer, Helen Lewis-Wall, at: Helen.Lewis Wall@bowlsengland.com with your expression of interest.
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