Commonwealth Games medallist Craig Bowler is urging the public to get behind Disability Bowls England on their journey to international success.

The 45-year-old, from Olney, won bronze at the Birmingham 2022 Games and was back on the green where it all happened at Leamington Spa Bowling club to encourage a new wave of people to give the sport ago during Bowls England's Bowls' Big Weekend.

But Bowler has opened up about the difficulties in reaching his levels of success, citing funding as one of the greatest challenges he faces in his sporting journey.

The bowler now hopes that getting more eyes on the sport can provide a greater influx of money into the sport and in turn, allow him to chase more international success for England.

"Disability bowls England are struggling because they are a charity," he said.

"If it wasn't for them, I wouldn't have had the opportunity to play in the Commonwealth Games.

"But it's not just on the elite side, it's about the friendlies and social side as well.

"Everyone should get behind disability bowls and help them financially to cope and help fund competitions.

"It will help bring so many more players into the sport and bring us a lot more medals back as well."

Bowler took up the sport following a suicide attempt over 16 years ago that saw him become a triple amputee, now only with use of his left arm.

Unable to see a world where he could once again play sport, Bowler was amazed to discover the accessibility of bowls through a friend at his local bowls club and has since rocketed to incredible heights on the international and domestic stage.

Bowler has become a spokesperson for sport, which he hopes will become a beacon of social and physical health in years to come.

"The stigma behind bowls is that it's an old person’s game but it really isn't," he said.

"If someone like me, who has false legs and only one arm can come into the sport and win a Commonwealth Games medal then it shows that anyone is capable of playing it.

"No one in bowls sees me as my disability, they see me for our friendship.

"It's given me that purpose of life and again.

"Bowls England do a lot behind the scenes which you don't necessarily see.

"It's about getting more players going around clubs and getting people to talk more about the sport and having a go."

To find your nearest participating club and sign up for a free session go to bowlsbigweekend.com