News

NSA Welcomes World Bowls Delegation Ahead of Historic Launch

Accra, June 25, 2025

A high-powered delegation from World Bowls are in Ghana to support the official launch of the sport in Ghana and across West Africa.

The delegation, led by World Bowls President, Mr. Brett O’Reilly paid a courtesy call on the Director-General of the National Sports Authority (NSA), Mr. Yaw Ampofo Ankrah. During the meeting, Mr. Ankrah expressed Ghana’s excitement and readiness to host both national and international bowls competitions, highlighting available venues and the country’s interest in the sport.

The visitors emphasised the importance of local collaboration in growing the game, stating that without agencies like the NSA, the launch would not be possible. Brett O’Reily praised Ghana for its hospitality and positive energy, adding that bowls is a sport for all regardless of age or ability and one that builds both community and competition.

The President of the International Bowls for the Disabled (IBD), Mr. Owen James shared his personal story, noting that his physically challenged son and visually impaired niece were his inspiration. “Bowls is not just a sport, it becomes a lifestyle,” he said, stressing the inclusivity and lifelong value of the game.

Speaking at the gathering, Madam Sue Beatt, an Executive Board Member of World Bowls, shared her excitement at being in Ghana for the first time, stating: “This experience will stay in my mind for a very long time.” She also expressed optimism about bowls spreading across Africa.

“Currently played in six African countries, World Bowls aims to expand its reach to all 52 nations on the continent,” said representative of World Bowls Africa, Mr. David Hamer. He noted that bowls can be introduced in schools and communities without the need for expensive infrastructure, making it accessible and sustainable.

Mr. Ankrah described bowls as more than a game. “Everybody has made a very rich influence, and clearly, bowls is a lifestyle, not just a sport. In the next few years, we will see what bowls can become if we remain consistent and grow in all areas with the right support.”

He thanked the delegation for their visit and reaffirmed NSA’s support for the sport. “Ghana is proud to be part of this journey,” he said. “We look forward to working together to grow bowls and create new opportunities through sports.”

The delegation is expected to participate in the official launch of the Ghana Bowls Federation set to happen on Thursday, June 26, 2025 at the Media Centre of the Accra Sports Stadium, marking a historic milestone for the country and the continent.

Also in attendance were Charles Obeng Amofah (President, Gh. Bowls Fed), Dominic Otuo Boateng (Ghana Bowls), Akosua Dzegu (Ghana Bowls), Patricia Osei (Ghana Bowls), Ossom Dede Phillipine (Ghana Bowls), Daniel Offei (Ghana Bowls), Kweku Apenteng Appiah (Ghana Bowls), Mustapha Better (Ghana Bowls), Frederick Marco (Ghana Bowls), Yaw Gyamfi (COO, NSA) and Sharon Odoi (NSA).

Story by,

Sharon Odoi

NSA-PR

25/06/2025

resignation news

Paul Brown (Wales), President International Bowls for the Disabled 2020-2025

The Executive Committee recently notified member nations and affiliated organisations that Paul Brown (Wales) was standing down as President at the end of March 2025 and will leave the organisation following a transitional handover.

The Executive Committee would like to take this opportunity to thank Paul personally for the hard work and dedication he has given to the development and growth of International Bowls for the Disabled and para bowls generally during his involvement with the organisation.

Paul has been exemplary in his role as President and has been a vocal and active proponent of para bowls throughout his time with International Bowls for the Disabled. This has included supporting the development of emergent nations into para bowls and the modernisation of the organisation.

Paul made his Commonwealth Games debut at Glasgow 2014 representing Team England where he won a bronze medal in the para lawn bowls event. He subsequently went on to represent Team England as competitor and athlete ambassador for the 2018 Commonwealth Games in the Gold Coast.

In 2022 Paul made his third appearance at the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham representing Wales in the Men’s Para Pairs with his playing partner Chris Spriggs. Paul started playing para lawn bowls at the age of 28 before going on to hold a number of voluntary roles in para bowls including the treasurer at the British Wheelchair Bowls Association, captaining Englands Wheelchair Bowls Team and as Executive at Large Committee Member of International Bowls for the Disabled before becoming President in 2020.

Paul has made a significant contribution to the development and promotion of para bowls throughout this period and the Executive Committee would like to take this opportunity to thank Paul for his hard work. We look forward to welcoming Paul and his para colleagues from Bowls Wales to future International Bowls for the Disabled competitions and events and wish him the very best for all his future ventures.

Executive Committee International Bowls for the Disabled

Winners, NZ Para nationals, Christchurch 3-7 November 2024

Congratulations to everyone that played in Christchurch this week!

Hearty congratulations to the winners:

Darron Wolland winning the Singles match up 21-15 over Peter Horne

Bruce Sayers and Lawrence Wickliffe for winning the pairs 18-10 over Geoffrey Caseldine and Snow Reardon.

Enjoy a few cold ones! Safe travels home!

4 October 2024
Head Classifier Sheila Corcoran Moving On

After over 20 years as Head Classifier for International Bowls for the disabled, Sheila Corcoran will be standing down . The IBD Board went through the process of advertising the position and appointing her replacement. Sheila, thank you for all your hard work. We sincerely appreciate all your efforts.

The board are happy to announce that June McIntyre, International Medical Classifier for South Africa, will take on the role of Head Classifier, after a hand over period from Sheila.

Professor Kim Mi Jung, International Medical Classifier from South Korea, will assist June, looking after the Asian region. Both will have a seat on the International Bowls for the Disabled Board. Asia is a fast growing region in regard to IBD, so it is opportune to have a representative from that area on the board.

The goal is to eventually have Regional Classifiers for all the different World Sport Regions (e.g. Africa, Europe, North America etc.)

Both June and Mi Jung have extensive experience in both classifying bowlers and training new classifiers. Please make them welcome in their new roles.

Sheila will remain the Regional International Medical Classifier for Oceania.

For the next couple of months, please send all queries and new classifications to both Sheila and June, until the hand over is complete. The aim is for the hand over to be complete by the start of 2025.

June’s email address is juneash@mweb.co.za
Mi Jung’s email address is kimmjreh@hanyang.ac.kr

1 October 2024
Obituary: Brian Sneag - Past President of International Bowls for the Disabled, 1942 - 2024

International Bowls for the Disabled are saddened to announce the passing of a stalwart, longtime supporter and past President of International Bowls for the Disabled Brian Sneag. Brian also previously held the position of Manager for the Team South Africa Disabled Bowls Commonwealth Games Squad and was Past President of the International Blind Bowls Association amongst many other achievements within the sport.

Brian was extremely successful in his professional life of Optometry in various capacities including Chairperson of the Professional Board ( two terms) , President of SAOA ( two terms) and Ombudsman for initially ten years , amongst others. Brian continued to serve the profession as Ombudsman in recent years until his passing. Over the Years, Brian, deservedly , received various accolades including Life President award and more recently, the Centennial Life Achievement award.

Jan Palazzi, Executive Officer for IBD, recently met Brian with IBD Head of Classifications Sheila Corcoran at the 2024 World Championship’s in South Africa and recognised Brian’s immense contribution to the sport he loved over many years;

“Brian was such a lovely and caring man, and welcomed me with open arms into the IBD family. He will be missed and remembered by many.”

Brian ,whose legacy and memory lives on , will be greatly missed by the sport and all his friends and colleagues at International Bowls for the Disabled. The thoughts and condolences of everyone at IBD are with Brian’s family, friends, colleagues and fellow bowlers at this time.

R.I.P.