Bowls squad proud to fly the Manx flag in Glasgow

Four local players taking on 2026 Commonwealth Games

Members of the Isle of Man bowls team say they're proud to have the chance to fly the Manx flag at the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.

The four-strong squad will be the first members of the Manx team to compete this morning (23 July).

Due to what games organisers describe as 'unprecedented demand' the bowls tournaments are starting ahead of the opening ceremony which takes place at 8pm.

Mark McGreal, Michael Collister, Paula Garrett and Caroline Whitehead told Manx Radio they're looking forward to showcasing their abilities against the best in the world over the coming days:

In what is being called 'Day 0' the bowls action will get underway at 9.30am and run until approximately 4.25pm to allow for play to be completed ahead of the opening ceremony at 8pm.

Bowls is the only sport at this year's games which will be held for the entire duration of the games from Thursday, 23 July to Sunday, 2 August.

As a sport it's one of the six original Commonwealth Games sports and has been held every year since the first event in 1930 with the exception of Kingston in 1966 when no bowls facilities were available.