All eyes on Guernsey

The eyes of the bowls world will be on Guernsey this weekend when one of the biggest events in the indoor bowls calendar gets underway.

Over 30 countries will be competing in the World Bowls Indoor Championship which is being staged at the Guernsey Indoor Bowling Association from April 21 – 27. 

All five corners of the globe will be represented in the competition which pits the European and Oceania powerhouses against those from the America’s, Asia, and African regions.

The 2024 women’s and men’s singles and mixed pairs contest will attract over 100,000 viewers from around the world via the World Bowls social media platform with live-streaming, video interviews of international bowlers, and much more to be featured throughout the week of competition.

Guernsey-based specialist investment management company, RAW Capital Partners, is one of the headline sponsors of the event. Ben Nichols, Interim Managing Director, said they are delighted to support such an important event.

“This is a great event for Guernsey, and we wish everyone the best of luck, especially the Guernsey competitors. We would encourage as many people as possible to go along and give their support. I’m sure there will be some very close matches throughout the week.”

World Bowls CEO, Neil Dalrymple said: “We thank the Guernsey Indoor Bowling Association (GIBA) for agreeing to host this event and I believe it’s very important that these events move around the world so that we can showcase the sport to current and prospective bowlers. Having this event in Guernsey demonstrates that World Bowls and the IIBC cares for our smaller member nations and that we are willing to provide them with the opportunity to host these prestigious events.”

International Indoor Bowls Council president, acclaimed bowler Alison Merrien MBE, of Guernsey, says she’s ‘proud and privileged to be president of the IIBC who with World Bowls will be staging one of the prestigious events on the world bowls calendar at her home club.’

“I am honoured to be able to say that Guernsey is my home,” said Merrien.

“It has been 34 years since the World Indoor Championships were held in Guernsey and we are delighted to have 30 countries involved with this year’s competition.”

Defending women’s singles champion Julie Forrest (Scotland) is one of the big names heading to the Channel Islands. She will be back to defend her titles that she won last year at Warilla, NSW Australia, along with 2022 men’s single champion Michael Stepney, also from Scotland.

Also looking to feature in the finals on Saturday, April 27, are Kiwis Shannon McIllroy and Tayla Bruce, Australia’s Ray Pearse, England’s Harry Goodwin, Loren Dion from the USA, Sandra Bailie MBE from Ireland and Malaysia’s Izzat Shameer Dzulkepie.

Guernsey itself has enjoyed a number of successes at the event since its membership in 1998, including five ladies’ singles titles, three mixed pairs and one men’s singles. This island will be represented by Jason Greenslade and Rosie Ogier who will be trying to add some more titles, while fellow Channel Islanders representing Jersey are Derek Boswell and Lindsey Greechan.

The scene is set. All the competing countries flags are now displayed at the club, the VisitGuernsey welcome bags are ready to be handed out to the players as they arrive on the island ahead of play beginning at 8.30 am on Sunday, April 21. Entry is free to watch too!

Players list: Click here  https://bit.ly/4aiXP2C

Player Schedule:  Click here http://bit.ly/49dv9Xv

Results and Standings:  Click here  http://bit.ly/3PKnxox

Conditions of Play:  Click here  http://bit.ly/3IYRa1l

Any further enquiries can made to:

World Bowls CEO Neil Dalrymple  ceo@worldbowls.com

Media – Ceris Hewlings  ceris.hewlings@keypublishing.com

Guernsey (local enquiries or questions) – Catherine or Josh Bonsall  giba@giba.org.gg

Sponsorship – Neil Dalrymple or Catherine Bonsall

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