Officials with Hall of Fame inductee Betty Collins OAM. Credit: Sporting Highlights
The 2026 World Bowls Indoor Championship opening ceremony has taken place at Ocean Grove Bowling Club, Victoria, Australia.
The event was a significant milestone for the club which saw over 400 in attendance with players, coaches, managers representing 33 nations, plus officials and guests celebrating the start of the five-day tournament to crown the new World Bowls champions in men’s singles, women’s singles and mixed pairs.
“World Bowls continues to grow rapidly with over 80 countries in our different membership categories, almost double the number when I joined the World Bowls Board in 2021,” said World Bowls president Brett O’Riley.
“Welcome to new member Croatia which competes in a World Bowls event for the first time.
“Many of you will have your sights on World Bowls 2027 now confirmed to be played next July at Leamington Spa in England, along with the many other events now finding a place in the World Bowls Series calendar. We also have our eye on the big prize, inclusion in a future Olympics and Paralympics.
“Congratulations on being a participant in a strong field for this World Bowls Series event. I am sure you will have a great time at Ocean Grove and this magnificent new bowls complex.”
The welcome was echoed by Cath Harvey, president of the International Indoor Bowls Council, who partner World Bowls in this event.
She said: “We are honoured to gather in such a wonderful setting where sport, community and camaraderie come together.
“Indoor bowls is more than just a game – it is a celebration of skill, precision and sportsmanship and an opportunity to build lasting friendships across borders and cultures.
“To our visiting teams and international delegates, thank you for making the journey to be here. Your presence reflects the global spirit of our sport and strengthens the bonds that unite us. To our hosts and organisers, we extend our sincere appreciation for your dedication and hard work in making this event possible.
“As the competition begins, let us remember the true values of indoor bowls – respect, fairness and enjoyment. Whether you are competing on the green or supporting from the sidelines, we hope this event brings you memorable experiences and a deep sense of connection.”
Added Adele Ryan, chair of Ocean Grove BC, also spoke saying: “You stand here at the pinnacle of your sporting journey and we are absolutely thrilled to host the world’s finest bowlers.
“We invite you to experience our newly-redeveloped, state-of-the-art facility. Featuring 16 undercover rinks, our dome offers a premier, all-weather environment with magnificent greens and cutting-edge screens to ensure every moment of the action is captured.
“This stage is not merely a celebration of skill and stamina; it is a testament to your character. Having navigated the arduous path that defines a champion, you are no longer just competitors – you are ambassadors of your sport. Whether you are chasing world records or personal bests, your presence here inspires the next generation of bowlers.
“We are truly honoured to host you. Embrace the moment and let your performance reflect the years of dedication that have brought you to this world stage.”
Meanwhile Alison Marchant MP for the Parliament of Victoria – Bellarine paid tribute to the host club commenting: “This championship is a testament to the vision and dedication to the Ocean Grove Bowling Club. Their commitment to investing in world-class facilities has transformed this venue into one capable of hosting an event of true international standing. With elite bowlers from 33 nations competing here, the eyes of the world are on the Bellarine.”
All players and ITOs were presented with welcome gifts and souvenirs of the event.
HALL OF FAME INDUCTION
Highlight of the ceremony was the induction of Australian legend Betty Collins OAM to the World Bowls Hall of Fame.
Betty was the first female president of the unified world body and is a life member of World Bowls. Only those intimately involved in the 1990s and early 2000s will be aware that the effort to get one unified world body agreed was a very challenging task.
It took several years and Betty was the key leader on the women’s side of the sport who supported the change. There were many who did not! First Betty played a key role in the unification of the Australian Women’s Bowling Council with Bowls Australia, before undertaking the same task with World Bowls, resulting in the formation of World Bowls Limited, based in Scotland.
Betty was initially deputy president and on becoming World Bowls president, Betty was instrumental in getting approval for there to be one uniform set of Laws of the Game (previously there were three versions). She also got Board approval for New Zealand’s application to host the first combined World Championships in Auckland in 1988.
Betty was a gracious but strong president whose leadership over two terms played a big part in the modernisation of the game. During her presidency there were many new events introduced including the World Champion of Champion Singles, and other innovations like rankings.
Betty was honoured with the Order of Australia Medal in 2002. She was inducted into the inaugural Bowls Australia Hall of Fame in 2011.
Previously, Betty was president of both the Australian Women’s Bowling Council and the Victoria Ladies Bowling Association. She was a Victorian State selector, committee member, and Councillor.
Betty was an Australian team manager at the Commonwealth Games and chair of the Women’s World Championships in 2000 held in Moama, New South Wales, Australia.
In retirement, Betty continues to enthusiastically support our sport, and the Betty Collins Trophy is awarded to the top performing women’s team at the Australian Senior Sides event.
Betty was presented with a commemorative plaque and specially-engraved gift by World Bowls president Brett O’Riley and received a standing ovation for her services to bowls.
EVENT INFORMATION
2026 World Bowls Indoor Championship | 12-16 May | Ocean Grove Bowling Club, Australia
Event website: https://tinyurl.com/ybbwv373
Watch live on YouTube: https://tinyurl.com/4pjvkdh9
Stay across the action all week on World Bowls TV
