Six athletes have been selected to represent the Falkland Islands in indoor bowls at the 2026 Commonwealth Games.
The selection process was shared by the National Sports Council and the Falkland Islands Bowls Association, with the squad bringing together a blend of experience and emerging talent.
Daphne Arthur-Almond returns to the Commonwealth Games squad after competing at the previous edition in Birmingham four years ago. Since then, she has continued to build her international experience, most recently winning a bronze medal in the women’s singles at the Orkney Island Games earlier this year.
She is joined in the women’s team by 2024 National Champion Sharon Barnes and newcomer Kris Thorsen. The pair competed together in the women’s pairs in Orkney, finishing fourth overall.
In the men’s squad, Cecil Alexander returns to the rink after previously managing the Falkland Islands team at the 2022 Commonwealth Games. He is joined by current national champion Oliver Thompson, with the pair having won silver together at the 2023 Island Games in Guernsey. Experienced player Ian Barnes, who has competed at a number of clubs in the UK, completes the six-person squad.
The team will be supported by Chef de Mission Vicky Chater, a Commonwealth Games badminton athlete, with National Sports Council Sports Development Officer Jo Turner appointed as General Team Manager. Chair of the Commonwealth Games Association Andy Brownlee and Secretary General Mike Summers also form part of the backroom team, alongside FIGO representative Richard Hyslop as the Falklands’ dignitary. There is no confirmation at this stage on whether a Member of the Legislative Assembly will attend.
Preparations will now focus on training and logistics ahead of the Games, as Team Falklands look to be making their fourth appearance in bowls on the Commonwealth stage and the first indoor event on the Commonwealth Games circuit.
