"VAN" (Sports Desk - 02.06.2026) :: The fun and innovative presentation of Bowls and Para Bowls is a “defining moment” for the future of the sport - after the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games delivered a reimagined, game-changing event.
The visionary way the indoor game was mixed with music, entertainment and fun has been highlighted by World Bowls as helping engage new players and winning a fresh audience.
The Glasgow 2026 competition has been a celebration of “proud traditions and a dynamic future”, says World Bowls CEO Neil Dalrymple.
The Glasgow 2026 Bowls and Para Bowls programme is reaching a climax this weekend with gold medal finals being played out.
A guiding mission of the Glasgow games was to deliver with creativity and flexibility to carve out a thriving future for Commonwealth Games sports.
Innovations at the SEC put a smile on the faces of fans, went viral on social media and included ticketing for as little as £10.
Fun presentations between the action included entertainers called: Hoover Man (a cleaner who danced and went viral on social media), Disco Inferno, Glitter Ball Dancers, Hedge Man, Bowls Spritz and Drums and Roses.
The use of portable rinks within an indoor stadium environment was an example of how Bowls is evolving.
Glasgow 2026 showed Bowls can thrive in a variety of environments, indoors or outdoors, and on grass, synthetic or carpet surfaces, and is not confined to traditional settings.
World Bowls CEO Neil Dalrymple said: “The Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games has represented a defining and innovative moment for the sport of Bowls globally. The indoor venue and the incredible atmosphere created in the stadium, has provided an unparalleled stage to showcase our sport to new audiences around the world, highlighting the unique qualities that make Bowls accessible, inclusive and highly competitive.
“Throughout the Games, our able and para bowlers have demonstrated the skill, precision and excitement that define our sport, while reinforcing Bowls' important place within the global sporting landscape.
“Most importantly, the legacy of these Games for Bowls will extend far beyond the medals and results. They have created a template for how international Bowls events can be delivered into the future and inspired the next generation of players, officials and fans, encouraging more people to get involved and ensuring a bright future for our sport.
“We are immensely proud of what Bowls has achieved on the Commonwealth stage and excited about the opportunities that lie ahead as we continue to build on this momentum."
Natalie Cunningham, Director of Sport at Glasgow 2026 said: “Glasgow 2026 has delivered innovation in the Bowls and Para Bowls events. Alongside the skill and precision of elite level competition, a buzz was created at the events around the sporting action which brought in new audiences, leaving the sport in a healthy place for the future.”
Ann-Louise Morgan, Director of Sport at Commonwealth Sport said: “Bowls has been a huge success in Glasgow 2026, and we are delighted to see the new format and the innovative sport presentation pay off. We worked closely with World Bowls to explore how an indoor format and changes to the competition structure could work, giving the sport the best possible platform at the Commonwealth Games.
“Seeing the exciting action and a brilliant broadcast product has been hugely rewarding for everyone involved. Bowls is a core sport for Amdavad 2030, and we're keen to keep building on what's worked so well here in Glasgow.”
Responses
Leave your comment