World Bowls Championships deferred to September 2021
The staging of the sport’s pinnacle event, the World Bowls Championships, has been delayed a further 105 days, controlling body World Bowls (WB) and host national authority Bowls Australia (BA) have announced today.
The quadrennial event will now be staged from September 7 to 19, 2021 in Gold Coast, Queensland, as a result of the current global COVID-19 climate and uncertainty around international travel restrictions which could impact the expected 36-attending nations.
Originally scheduled to occur from May 26 to June 7 this year, the event had already been postponed 12 months, to May 25 to June 6, 2021.
BA Chief Executive Officer Neil Dalrymple said the decision to delay the staging of the event is necessary to ensure all qualifying nations are afforded the best opportunity to attend.
“Due to the current climate around the world, we believe that rescheduling the World Bowls Championships to September 2021 will ensure the best chance for competing countries to attend the event and therefore the best chance for the event to proceed,” Dalrymple said.
“Collectively, we’re very appreciative of the support afforded from the event’s key stakeholders, including Tourism and Events Queensland and City of Gold Coast, and host clubs Club Helensvale, Broadbeach and Musgrave Hills Bowls Clubs, to ensure the successful delivery of this coveted championship.”
WB Chief Executive Officer Gary Smith said he was appreciative of all stakeholders’ efforts in determining suitable competition dates.
“On behalf of World Bowls and the Member Nations, I’d like to convey my appreciation to all stakeholders involved in determining the best course forward for this highly anticipated event, and of course, to all players, officials, staff and spectators who will support the staging of this event in September 2021.”
Tourism Minister Kate Jones said events like the World Bowls Championships will play an important role in the state’s economic recovery.
“Major events like this pump thousands of dollars back into local businesses, support local jobs and help to rebuild our economy,” Minister Jones said.
“This event will deliver a great boost for local businesses at a time when everyone is doing it tough.
“The Gold Coast is one of the most beautiful places in the world to visit and the Championships will give visitors another reason to book a trip.”
City of Gold Coast Mayor Tom Tate said given the global uncertainty due to the pandemic, the postponement was the best outcome for everyone involved.
“We look forward to welcoming the world’s best bowlers back to our beautiful city in the spring of 2021,” Mayor Tate said.
BA acknowledges the invaluable support from the World Bowls Championships’ principal partners, Tourism and Events Queensland and City of Gold Coast in the preparation and delivery of the event.
Rescheduled World Bowls Championships dates –
Practice days: Saturday, September 4 to Monday, September 6, 2021
Competition days: Tuesday, September 7 to Sunday, September 19, 2021
