Lester receives ceremonial flag

BENDIGO lawn bowler Barrie Lester has received the ceremonial Commonwealth Games Federation flag at the closing of the Birmingham Games.

Lester received the federation flag on behalf of the Victoria 2026 Commonwealth Games during the Birmingham Games closing ceremony on Tuesday morning local time.

Lester has won three silver and one bronze medals across three Commonwealth Games – equalling Karen Murphy’s total of most medals by an Australian bowler at the Games.

Lester, who won silver in Birmingham with the triples team, was born at Bendigo Base Hospital – across the road from the 2026 bowls venue.

“I was pretty blown away when I found out,” he said.

“I started getting goosebumps and I know what my family’s reaction will be back home when they find out and see me, they’ll be so happy.”

– BY STEVE LARKIN/ AAP