Having started playing the sport when he was just 11, Guernsey’s Garry Collins is now the World Bowls International Ambassador for Europe.
Mr Collins, in conjunction with Bowls Europe and World Bowls, said he is “delighted to announce his appointment” as he joins the Regional Development and Ambassadors Committee.
His new voluntary role will see him help to coordinate development of the sport across Europe and share positive initiatives with bowls colleagues from across the globe.
“I am totally honoured to have been appointed an International Ambassador, having started bowling at the age of 11, and I’m now 45, so I have 35 years of experience on the green and plus some 28 years on the administration side,” he said.
“It’s a great honour to be named an International Ambassador. When I think of little Guernsey, we have done alright for international honours, we have produced many British, European and World champions and Guernsey is known on the world map for bowls.”
Brett O’Riley, President of World Bowls and Chair of the Regional Development and Ambassadors Committee said Mr Collins has already achieved a lot in his chosen sport – and he is still looking to do more.
“I am delighted to announce Garry has taken up this role for World Bowls.
“Garry and I were directors together of World Bowls between 2021 and 2023. I know he is keen to use his experience and his passion to help develop countries further. World Bowls has grown its members countries over the recent years and pushing hard for bowls to be part of the 2032 Olympics to be held in Brisbane, Australia.”
Well known in Guernsey for his commitment to the sport, as well as his political work as a Deputy and Douzaineer, Mr Collins already has vast experience on the international Bowls stage.
As well as playing since childhood, Mr Collins is a qualified Bowls Coach and Umpire,
He was the European Regional Director for World Bowls between 2016 and 2023, and was involved in creating Bowls Europe in 2021, becoming the first Administration Director, a voluntary post he continues to hold today.
Mr Collins was also the President of the British Isles Bowls Council between 2014 and 2016, going on to serve 20 years on the British Council in one role or another.
In 2004 he created Bowls Guernsey, having already served six years on the men’s association. The new Bowls Guernsey organisation saw one combined body for the sport in Guernsey. He remained involved with Bowls Guernsey until 2023 having served as Secretary, Treasurer, Team Manager and President at different times.
Mr Collins has also been a Director of the Commonwealth Games and was the Chef De Mission for Guernsey at the 2018 Gold Coast Games and the Youth Games Team Leader at the 2017 Bahamas Games.
He received the Guernsey Sports Commission award in 2023 for outstanding contribution to his sport, the award for Best Event Organiser in 2017, and the Under 25 award for outstanding contribution to his sport in 2004.
In total Mr Collins has received 11 awards for administration and achievement as an athlete, has played at 35 international events for Guernsey, won 11 international medals, including playing at two Commonwealth Games, finishing in the top ten at each event, won Gold at the British Championships and Silver at the European Championships, and has held 65 different voluntary roles in sport, across 15 different bodies. He estimates that he has given 293 years of combined service to Bowls and sport over the past 28 years.
