John Bell explains his actions after stepping down from World Bowls roles
The world of bowls – or at least its outdoor arm – was rocked when World Bowls President John Bell, a distinguished English bowler with an impressive CV on and off the green, ‘stepped down’ on July, and was replaced, at least temporarily, by Australia’s Darryl Clout, a respected administrator, who was the Regional Director for Oceania.
A World Bowls media release gave no reason for the genial Cumbrian’s shock resignation, but paid tribute to his ‘nine years of service – seven years as President and two as European Regional Director’, and wished him well in his retirement.
Clout has 25 years experience of national and international sports administration, having been President of Softball Australia and Bowls Australia. He was also Head of NSW Deparrtment of Sport & Revreation, and has been a Director of Commonwealth Games Australia.
Acknowledging his appointment, Clout indicated that World Bowls are committed to undertake “a major review of what our sport should look like as we head into the next decade.” He added: “I feel privileged to be elected as the President of the sport’s international body.”
John Bell wrote to all Member National Associations (MBAs), explaining his actions.
He said: ‘It is with great sadness that I am contacting you to inform you that I have stepped down from my office of President with immediate effect. I owe it to my loyal supporters across the world to offer this brief word of explanation.
For more reaction pick up the September issue of Bowls International.