With women’s participation in lawn bowls rising across Canada, the sport is undergoing a powerful shift – one defined by equity, visibility and international success.
At the heart of this momentum is Kukri Sports, who for over a decade has proudly stood as the official sportswear partner of Bowls Canada Boulingrin.
This partnership has helped to shape a confident, unified image for Canada’s national athletes and also champion the growth of the sport.
A Sport Gaining Momentum
Over recent years, Bowls Canada has seen an encouraging trend of more women participating, entering coaching and officiating pathways, as well as earning recognition on the international stage.
“At Bowls Canada, we believe that advancing gender equity strengthens the entire sport,” said Britany Gordon, CEO at Bowls Canada Boulingrin.
“We are proud of the strides of our female athletes, coaches and leaders are making nationally and internationally.
“With partners like Kukri helping us elevate the profile of our athletes, we are excited for the future of women’s lawn bowls in Canada – one where every woman sees a place for herself, both on and off the green.”
Global Success
The visibility of the sport has been backed by results, with Canadian women making headlines globally.
– Kelly McKerihen earned silver in women’s singles at the 2023 World Bowls Championships, tying Canada’s all-time best finish in the event.
– Canada’s women’s triples team took home bronze at the same event—the country’s strongest team finish in over a decade.
– McKerihen and Emma Boyd went on to win the women’s pairs title at the 2023 Hong Kong International Bowls Classic, a globally prestigious competition.

These podium performances are part of a larger trend: in the last two World Bowls cycles (2016-2023), Canada’s women have won nearly half (5 out of 12) of the nation’s international medals.
In 2024, Louise McLean made history by capturing Canada’s first international para bowls medal, with a podium finish in Women’s singles at the IBD World Championships.
Kukri Sports: More Than a Uniform
Kukri’s decade-long partnership has provided more than just apparel – it’s created a bold and professional identity for Team Canada that reflects the talent and ambition of its athletes.
The visibility and pride that comes from stepping onto the green in Kukri’s custom kit sends a message that Canadian bowlers belong on the world stage.
“Our partnership with Kukri Sports has played an important role in building a strong, professional image for our athletes,” said Britany Gordon.
“Having world-class apparel helps us present a unified, confident Team Canada, which in turn strengthens the visibility and recognition of our women’s teams.
“As we work to grow the sport, the visibility provided by strong branding is a valuable asset in inspiring future female bowlers.”
Jamie Williams, Vice President at Kukri Sports North America, added, “We are incredibly proud of our ongoing partnership with Bowls Canada.
“Over the last decade, we’ve seen remarkable growth in the sport, especially among women athletes. We are fully committed to empowering athletes by providing high-quality apparel to help them perform at their peak.
“We look forward to continuing our support and elevating the success of Canada’s women’s lawn bowlers on the world stage for years to come.”

Equity on and off the Green
Bowls Canada has made gender equity a core part of its mission. Women and men now compete in equal numbers at national championships, supported by inclusive event formats.
Nearly half of the Board of Directors and 45% of certified umpires are women, reflecting strong female leadership across the sport that continues to grow.
From youth to senior levels, Canadian women continue to thrive and are proving that with the right support, access to high-quality sportswear and visibility, success follows.
A Shared Vision for the Road Ahead
Together, Bowls Canada and Kukri Sports are not just outfitting athletes—they’re helping lead a movement. A movement that welcomes women, celebrates success, and inspires the next generation to step up, compete, and lead on and off the green.
We are proud to support Bowls Canada as they continue to inspire through their commitment to equity, excellence and the success of women in lawn bowls.