OTTAWA – (2026-05-13) - Commonwealth Sport Canada (CSC) and Bowls Canada Boulingrin (BCB) are pleased to announce the addition of Anne Hibberd and Jean Stairs to Team Canada’s bowls roster for the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland, taking place July 23 to August 2, 2026.
Hibberd and Stairs have been appointed as Canada’s representatives in the Women’s Para Pairs (B6-B8) event following a successful Bowls Bipartite Application process after Canada did not secure automatic qualification into the Para competition.
Their selection marks a historic milestone for the sport, as this will be the first time Canada is represented in Para Bowls at the Commonwealth Games.
“This is an important moment for bowls in Canada,” said Britany Gordon, Chief Executive Officer of BCB. “Anne and Jean have demonstrated tremendous dedication and perseverance on their journey to the international stage. Their appointment not only strengthens Team Canada’s presence in Glasgow, but also represents a significant step forward for inclusivity and growth within our sport.”
Supporting Canada’s first-ever Para bowls team at the Commonwealth Games will be recently appointed High Performance Coach – Para Bowls Lead, Pat Vos, who will join National Team Head Coach Derek Dillon as Para Coach for the Games. Vos brings extensive experience and leadership within the Canadian bowls community and will play a key role in supporting the athletes in Glasgow.
Hibberd will enter Glasgow as a veteran of two previous international competitions, bringing valuable experience and composure to Team Canada’s inaugural Para bowls entry. Stairs will make her second international appearance and has continued to impress through her commitment and competitive development within the high-performance pathway.
“We are incredibly proud to welcome Anne and Jean to Team Canada,” said Kelly Laframboise, Director, Team Canada 2026. “Their achievement in earning a place at the Commonwealth Games reflects both their talent and determination. They embody the resilience and spirit that define Team Canada.”
The bowls competition at the 2026 Commonwealth Games will take place at The SEC Centre in Glasgow from July 24 – August 2. Glasgow 2026 will include 10 sports, including six Para sports. The Commonwealth Games remain the only major multi-sport event to feature fully integrated Para sport competition programs.
The Women’s Para Pairs (B6-B8) event will provide an opportunity for Canada to compete alongside the Commonwealth’s top Para bowls athletes while continuing to build momentum for the future growth of Para Bowls nationally and internationally.
The athletes representing Canada at the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games include:
Athletes
| First | Last | Hometown | Event | Previous Commonwealth Games |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ryan | Bester | Hanover, ON | Pairs, Singles | 2002, 2006, 2010, 2014, 2018, 2022 |
| John | Bezear | Kitchener, ON | Pairs | 2022 |
| Emma | Boyd | Tsawwassen, BC | Pairs | Debut |
| Kelly | McKerihen | Toronto, ON | Pairs, Singles | 2014, 2018, 2022 |
| Anne | Hibberd | Calgary, AB | Women’s Para Pairs (B6-B8) | Debut |
| Jean | Stairs | Moncton, NB | Women’s Para Pairs (B6-B8) | Debut |
Coaches
| Position | First | Last | Hometown |
|---|---|---|---|
| Head Coach | Derek | Dillon | Calgary, AB |
| Para Coach | Pat | Vos | Edmonton, AB |
ABOUT TEAM CANADA 2026
The 2026 Commonwealth Games will bring together 74 nations and territories in a celebration of sport, culture, and community. Team Canada will once again compete with pride, unity, and determination on the global stage on this important path to Olympic and Paralympic success. Team Canada will feature 153 athletes, including one guide, 82 team officials and 19 mission staff. Canada’s performance projection in 2026 is a top three ranking, in total medals, amongst all nations and territories competing. Team Canada’s dedicated mission team will provide an optimal environment by celebrating equality, diversity, and non-discrimination. This is in support of our goals needed to enable a best ever performance by Canadian athletes at the 2026 Commonwealth Games.
About Bowls Canada Boulingrin
Bowls Canada Boulingrin (BCB) is the governing body responsible for lawn bowls in Canada. The BCB mission is to advance the sport of bowls in Canada. BCB is funded through Sport Canada and would like to thank the Department of Canadian Heritage and the Government of Canada for its support of lawn bowling in Canada. For more details on Bowls Canada Boulingrin and the sport of lawn bowls, visit www.bowlscanada.com.
Bowls Canada Boulingrin acknowledges that its office in Ottawa is located upon the traditional and unceded territory of the Anishinàbe Algonquin People. The Algonquin People have inhabited and cared for these lands long before today. BCB honours and thanks all the generations of Anishinàbe Algonquin people who have and continue to take care of this land that we all share. We pledge to continue exploring and making meaningful contributions to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada’s Calls to Action, especially as they relate to Sport and Reconciliation (items 87 to 91).
ABOUT COMMONWEALTH SPORT CANADA
Commonwealth Sport Canada (CSC) is the franchise holder for the Commonwealth Games and the Commonwealth sport movement in Canada. CSC supports Canada’s athletes to achieve excellence at Olympic and Paralympic Games and world championships and enriches the lives of youth across the Commonwealth and hosts the Commonwealth Games. For additional information go to: www.commonwealthsport.ca .
For more information, please contact:
Patrick Kenny
Communications Team Leader – Team Canada 2022
Email: [email protected]
613-724-7160
Britany Gordon
CEO – Bowls Canada Boulingrin
Email: [email protected]
613-244-0021
