At the World Bowls European Development Seminar being staged in Glasgow this weekend Gary Smith, World Bowls Chief Executive announced that World Bowls has launched the formal process of seeking International Olympic Committee (IOC) recognition for our sport.

Smith said:-

‘We had to await the results of a full review undertaken by the IOC of their eligibility criteria to firstly ensure that we met the minimum number of member nations criteria. The review was completed in December 2015 and the criteria were issued to us a couple of months ago and we meet this criteria. The initial step required was to send a formal letter to IOC advising them that we are seeking their recognition.

We are now required to complete a 40 page questionnaire and to submit this with a wide range of relevant documents as our IOC Recognition Request File to reach IOC by 31 August 2016. Our application with then be considered by the IOC Executive Board during its meeting in December 2016’

This positive development will be welcomed by our global bowls community and we will keep you fully informed of progress with our application.

We must stress that inclusion of Lawn Bowls  on the Olympic Games Sports Programme does not come immediately with IOC recognition of our sport, recognition is only the first step and the foundation from which to lobby for inclusion on the Olympic Games Sports Programme but recognition will in itself bring great benefits to our members.