Comedian Elaine C Smith joined more than 100 budding bowlers in Glasgow to set a new record for the world's largest ever indoor lesson.
As part of the build-up to the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games, the Two Doors Down actor joined multiple world Bowls champion Stewart Anderson, Scottish Hall of Fame bowler Annette Christie and rising star Abbie Harris (16), supported by volunteers from Bowls Scotland and the club’s own league players at the West of Scotland Indoor Bowling Club in Rutherglen, the event marked a major milestone on the road to Glasgow 2026 – with ticket pre-sales to open later this month.
Glasgow 2026 mascot Finnie also took part alongside stars from other sports, including former Team GB Basketball captain Kieron Achara MBE and double Commonwealth champion Judo player Sarah Adlington.
Families, schools and community groups from across the city took to the rinks for a morning of fun, education and sporting inspiration as part of a campaign to put Bowls and Para Bowls firmly in the spotlight ahead of next summer’s Games.
Elaine C Smith said: "It’s been absolutely brilliant – showing just how fun, competitive and inclusive Bowls can be. You’ve got people from all walks of life here, learning something new together, laughing and competing – it’s what Glasgow’s all about. Events like this remind us that the Commonwealth Games isn’t just about elite sport, they’re about bringing people and communities together, learning about activities and discovering new obsessions.”
Glasgow has stepped in to host the Commonwealth Games on a reduced scale after the Australian state of Victoria withdrew for financial reasons.
Existing infrastructure will be used with £100m in funding from the Commonwealth Games Federation to put on 10 sports.
To pre-register for Glasgow 2026 ticket access, visit www.glasgow2026.com before 23:59 on Thursday 16 October.
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