An ambitious global campaign has been launched to see bowls included in the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games, marking a significant moment in the sport’s history.
World Bowls and Bowls Australia have today officially announced the Bowls for Brisbane 2032 campaign – a joint initiative aimed at achieving Olympic and Paralympic recognition for the sport when the world comes together in Queensland in seven years’ time.
The campaign highlights bowls’ global footprint, unmatched inclusivity, and deep cultural ties to the host nation, and aims to demonstrate how the sport can enhance the Olympic and Paralympic programs through accessibility, legacy, and innovation.
World Bowls CEO Neil Dalrymple said bowls is uniquely placed to contribute to the Olympic and Paralympic movements’ future.
“The sport of bowls has long been admired for its spirit of community, fairness, and inclusion – principles that align perfectly with the Olympic and Paralympic ethos,” Dalrymple said.
“In partnership with Bowls Australia and our Member Countries, we’re committed to showcasing the best elements of the sport and making a compelling case for our inclusion in Brisbane 2032 and beyond.”
With over 60 member nations, World Bowls is confident the campaign will galvanise global support and demonstrate the sport’s capacity to engage athletes and spectators alike through both innovation and tradition.
Bowls Australia CEO Matthew Kennedy said the campaign represents a rare and powerful opportunity to elevate the sport on a world stage.
“This is a bold and unifying campaign for a sport with deep Australian roots, incredible inclusivity and truly international reach,” Kennedy said.
“We believe the Brisbane 2032 Games represent a once-in-a-generation opportunity to showcase bowls on the world’s biggest sporting stage – and to do so in a way that reflects the values and vision of the Olympic and Paralympic movements.”
As part of the campaign, a range of initiatives will be rolled out in the lead-up to 2032 – including high-profile international showcase matches, and close collaboration with key bodies including the International Olympic Committee (IOC), International Paralympic Committee (IPC), Australian Olympic Committee (AOC), Paralympics Australia, and the Brisbane 2032 Organising Committee.
The first major moment in the campaign will be a broadcast-led feature match between the Australian Jackaroos and a Rest of the World team, to be held during BPL22 on October 29, 2025.
The event will include both open and para-athletes, showcasing the sport’s unique strength in delivering a shared competitive platform for all.
In Australia, where bowls has been played since 1845, the sport boasts more than 1,800 clubs that host nearly 2 million competition and casual participants each year – from grassroots social bowlers to elite international competitors.
The Bowls for Brisbane 2032 campaign stands on a foundation of heritage, inclusivity, and bold ambition – with concerted global support and strategic leadership, World Bowls and Bowls Australia are ready to roll toward Olympic and/or Paralympic inclusion, giving the sport its greatest stage yet in Brisbane.
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