Tweed pair to represent Australia in lawn bowls at Commonwealth Games

TWEED Heads bowlers Damien Delgado and Serena Bonnell have been selected to represent Australia at the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Scotland.

The pair are part of a 12-member squad unveiled at Club Tweed ahead of the Glasgow Games.

Delgado, who competes from his wheelchair, will contest the Para men’s pairs after claiming silver at his Commonwealth Games debut in Birmingham in 2022.

Bonnell will contest the women’s pairs and goes into the event as a Commonwealth Games silver medallist and 2025 World Cup mixed pairs champion.

She has been a strong advocate for para-athletes and has been in a support her role as a Thrive with Pride ambassador with the Australian Institute of Sport.

Mullumbimby-raised Olympic swimming champion Petria Thomas will lead the Australian contingent as Chef de Mission.

“This is an exciting and highly capable team that reflects the depth of talent in Australian bowls,” Thomas said.

“We have a strong history in this sport at the Commonwealth Games, and this group is well placed to build on that success in Glasgow.”

Former Ballina bowler Aaron Teys was also named in the open men’s squad and will partner Corey Wedlock who he has teamed with at Warilla in the pairs competition.

The duo won gold together in the men’s fours at the 2023 World Bowls Championships and head to Glasgow as one of the strongest pairings in the field.

Teys, 32, who has enjoyed success at major Northern Rivers tournaments throughout his career, will make his Commonwealth Games debut.

Bowls Australia performance director and national coach Gary Willis said the mix of experienced campaigners and newcomers created a balanced squad.

“This is an exciting group that combines proven performers on the international stage with athletes who have earned their opportunity through sustained form and consistency,” Willis said.

“Commonwealth Games selection is never straightforward, and the depth across both our open and para programs made for some incredibly tough conversations.

“Representing Australia at a Commonwealth Games is one of the highest honours in our sport, and every athlete selected should be incredibly proud of what they’ve earned.”

The event will take place from July 23-August 2.