Although the news is of no surprise to the games’ hosts Warwick District Council, the confirmation marks the official start of a new challenge for Warwick district’s recently appointed Commonwealth Games Project Manager, Christina Boxer, herself a Commonwealth Games medallist (1500 metres Gold at Brisbane in 1982 and Silver at Auckland in 1990). Christina commented;

‘Hosting a major global sports event, attracting competitors and visitors from all corners of the world, is really exciting and will help raise the profile of the district, local businesses and the sport of bowls. We will also be using this event as a great opportunity to celebrate a range of cultural events linked to the Commonwealth Games as we countdown to the Opening Ceremony in 2022’.

The excitement is also mounting among the district’ bowls community. Former England Junior International Helen Slimm, who is now Warwickshire U31 Women’s Team Manager and works as Personal Assistant to the Chief Executive at Leamington Spa based Bowls England, said:

“Bowls is a really inclusive and sociable sport, suitable for all ages and abilities. The Commonwealth Games is going to provide a variety of great opportunities to introduce more young people into the sport of bowls, particularly women, as participants, volunteers and spectators.”

The Victoria Park Bowls Greens are at the heart of Leamington. Whilst maintained to the highest standards to host world class competitions, they are also home to Royal Leamington Spa Bowls Club and are well-used by other local clubs and groups. A busy programme of bowls and disability bowls competition are held throughout the year, attracting a great deal of interest and support.