Sheila Corcoran has provided unparalleled service to para-bowls and the international classification framework as Head IBD Classifier from 2002-2025, playing a central role in making our sport fairer, more inclusive, and better governed.  

Over many years Sheila has combined clinical rigour, deep technical knowledge and an unflagging commitment to athlete welfare to build robust classification systems, train and mentor classifiers across multiple nations, and ensure that athletes with disability compete on an even and transparent playing field. Her leadership has been essential to delivering major events where classification integrity and athlete confidence have been paramount. 

Sheila’s influence reaches across governance, education and field operations: she has developed training pathways for medical and technical classifiers, led classification at international competitions and worked collaboratively with national bodies to strengthen para pathway programs. Her calm authority, ethical clarity and practical problem solving have earned the respect of athletes, team managers and fellow officials worldwide.  

Sheila has been a long-time member of the IBD Board and was a member of the IBD -World Bowls Working Group that helped facilitate the merger process.  

For distinguished service to para-bowls, for improving access and fairness for bowlers with disability, and for strengthening the technical foundations of our sport, World Bowls confers Life Membership upon Sheila Corcoran.