BOWLS CANADA BOULINGRIN NOMINATES 14 ATHLETES TO THE GLASGOW 2014 CANADIAN TEAM

April 17, 2014, Ottawa – Bowls Canada Boulingrin and Commonwealth Games Canada (CGC) today confirmed the athletes and coaches to be named to Team Canada for the XX Commonwealth Games in Glasgow Scotland in July.

Ryan Bester of Hanover, Ontario, 2012 World Singles Silver medalist, competing in his fourth Commonwealth Games, will lead a group of experienced bowlers who expect to be in the hunt for up to four medals in Scotland.  He is joined by three-time Under 25 Canadian Champion Kelly McKerihen of Toronto who will also be looking to repeat her medal winning performance from the 2012 Worlds.

"Lawn Bowls has has been a Commonwealth Games sport at all editions except one, since the inaugural edition, which were the British Empire Games held in Hamilton in 1930”, said Chantal Petitclerc, Chef de Mission of the 2014 Team. “I am proud of the fact that the 2014 lawn bowls team includes able-bodied and Para-Athletes. I look forward to supporting this excellent group of athletes at the Games this summer, and welcome them to the 2014 Commonwealth Games Team."

“There were outstanding performances at our selection camp in February where our athletes clearly demonstrated their ability under pressure. These  individuals are great athletes and I am excited by our potential for success in Scotland,” said Anna Mees, Executive Director, Bowls Canada. “We are also thrilled to be fielding a team that is representative of both able-bodied and para-athletes. On behalf of the entire Bowls Canada family, I want to congratulate all our 2014 team members. We will be cheering you on this summer!”

Athletes and coaches nominated by Bowls Canada to Team Canada for the 2014 Commonwealth Games were selected based on an extensive process that culminated in a performance camp in Sarasota, Florida in February. They include:

Men

  • Ryan Bester (Hanover, ON, currently residing in Queensland, Australia)
  • Kevin Jones (London, ON)
  • Tim Mason (Penetanguishene, ON, currently residing in West Vancouver, BC)
  • Chris Stadnyk (Niagara Falls, ON)
  • George Whitelaw (Victoria, BC, currently residing in South Lanarkshire, Scotland)

Women

  • Mary Ann Beath (Vancouver, BC, currently residing in Phoenix, Arizona)
  • Leanne Chinery (Victoria, BC, currently residing in Auckland, New Zealand)
  • Jackie Foster (Bridgetown, NS, currently residing in Lower Sackville, NS)
  • Laura Hawryszko (Cobourg, ON)
  • Kelly McKerihen (Toronto, ON)

Para Athletes and Guide Athletes

  • Alphonse Hanet (Kelowna, BC) and guide Viola Hanet (Kelowna, BC)
  • Heather Hannett (Calgary, AB)and guide Susan Acorn (Calgary, AB)

Team Officials

  • Coach: David Mathie (Victoria, BC)
  • Manager: Don Caswell (Windsor, ON)

“Congratulations to the 14 athletes and guides named today to represent Canada in lawn bowls at the upcoming Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland,” said the Honourable Bal Gosal, Minister of State (Sport). “Canada has had tremendous success in lawn bowls throughout the history of these Games, winning 11 medals, so I’m sure you are all very excited to bring home more medals for Canada!”

A team of 265 athletes and close to 100 coaches and support staff will be in Glasgow, Canada’s largest Team ever fielded for a non-home Games.  The entire Canadian Team, as well as the team’s flag bearer, will be officially announced by Commonwealth Games in July 2014.

The Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games will be held from July 23rdto August 3rd, 2014, and will be the largest ever multi-sport event held on Scottish soil.

ABOUT BOWLS CANADA

Bowls Canada Boulingrin (BCB) is the governing body responsible for bowls in Canada.  The BCB mission is to promote, foster and safeguard the sport of outdoor and indoor bowls in all its forms across the country.  BCB is committed to the highest standards for the conduct and development of bowls in Canada.  Visit www.bowlscanada.comfor information.

ABOUT COMMONWEALTH GAMES CANADA

Commonwealth Games Canada (CGC) is the international franchise holder for the Commonwealth Games and Commonwealth movement in Canada, and an active, contributing member of the Canadian sport community. The mission of CGC is to strengthen sport within Canada and throughout the Commonwealth by participating in the Commonwealth Games and by using sport as a development tool. Visit www.commonwealthgames.ca for information.

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For interview requests:

Anna Mees
Executive Director
Bowls Canada Boulingrin
613 244 0021 x 101
amees@bowlscanada.com

For additional information on the Glasgow 2014 Canadian Team or CGC:

Sylvie Bigras
Communications Chief
Team Canada - Glasgow 2014
613 298 1625
sylvie@magma.ca