‘WORLD class’ bowling greens have led to Leamington being announced as part of Birmingham’s bid for the 2022 Commonwealth games.
The town is currently playing host to the National Bowls Championship, but its forays into the world of huge sporting events could soon stretch even further.
Birmingham has put forward a bid to host the Commonwealth Games in 2022 and faces stiff competition from fellow contender Liverpool.
But if successful, Leamington will play host to the Commonwealth bowls and para bowls games.
Those who are putting forward the bid say it is the town’s five greens at Victoria Park and its close proximity to Birmingham which make it the obvious choice.
Tony Allcock MBE, Chief Executive of Leamington-based Bowls England, said: “Hosting the Commonwealth Games Bowls fixtures at the home of Lawn Bowls in England would be an incredible experience.
“We have worked hard to create a world-class venue that has delivered the women’s World Championships twice as well as annually hosting the National Championships.
“Having competed in, coached for and managed Commonwealth Games Lawn Bowls I know what it takes to deliver a great championship and I have every confidence that Birmingham 2022 would deliver a fantastic Commonwealth Games.”
And Warwick District Councillor Michael Coker is also hopeful Birmingham will be successful in their bid.
He said: “We are thrilled that the Birmingham 2022 Bid team has recognised the world – class greens at Victoria Park and chosen Leamington to host its Lawn Bowls and Para Lawn Bowls competition.
“With its picturesque pavilion and beautiful parks and gardens, Leamington will provide a stunning backdrop to this quintessentially English sport, which we know will appeal to fans, tourists and media alike.
“Birmingham’s bid will bring benefits to the whole region so we encourage everyone to get behind it and help us bring the games to our own doorsteps.”
Birmingham and Liverpool will now be inspected by The Department of Culture, Media and Sport before the final bid is forwarded to the Commonwealth Games Federation later this year.
