A Week of Proudly Representing Canada at the Atlantic International Challenge in Northern Ireland
Team Canada has wrapped up the 2026 Atlantic International Challenge (AIC) in Belfast, Northern Ireland. From September 6-10, 2026, Team Canada proudly battled against skilled athletes from Scotland, Ireland and the United States.
Held at the Belmont Bowling Club, the five-day event featured competition across men’s and women’s singles, pairs, triples and fours, as well as VI and PD para events. The AIC provided Canadian athletes with the opportunity to compete against some of the top bowlers from across the Atlantic while gaining valuable international experience.
Team Canada – Representing Canada at the 2026 Atlantic International Challenge were:
Athletes:
Men: Greg Wilson, Kody Olthof, Mike McNorton, Jon MacDonald, and Cameron Lefresne
Women: Jenn MacDonald, Baylee van Steijn, Joanna Cooper, Jordan Kos, and Jackie Foster
Para VI: Louise McLean and Sheila Grieve
Para PD: Andy Caldwell, Anne Hibberd, Jack Smart, and Jean Stairs
Directors:
Carolyn LaRue-Campbell and Donn Sherry
Coaches:
Derek Dillon and Pat Vos
Team Managers & Support Staff:
Derek McKie and Bridget Masterson on-site, and Ryan Stadnyk who supported the team from Ontario.
Across the week, Canadian athletes competed in a variety of disciplines and faced challenging conditions on the greens. Despite the demands of international competition and the conditions in Belfast, Team Canada adapted well and continued to compete with determination throughout the event. This event provided an important opportunity for Canadian athletes to test themselves against international competition and compete alongside teammates from across the country. The event also gave Canada’s para athletes the chance to represent the Maple Leaf on the international stage as part of the AIC’s VI and PD competitions.
The competition remained closely contested throughout the week, with each session bringing new challenges and opportunities for the four competing nations. Below are the results:
Para Overall
Scotland – 44 points
Ireland – 36 points
Canada – 16 points
Overall
Scotland – 166 points
Ireland – 135 points
USA – 82 points
Canada – 81 points
Men’s Division
Scotland – 85 points
Ireland – 73 points
USA – 45 points
Canada – 30 points
Women’s Division
Scotland – 81 points
Ireland – 62 points
Canada – 51 points
USA – 37 points
While Team Canada did not finish the competition with a medal, the results only tell part of the story. Canadian athletes continued to compete with grit throughout the event, adapting to the conditions, supporting one another and representing Canada with professionalism and sportsmanship.
The team’s attitude remained a constant throughout the week, with athletes showing respect for their opponents, encouraging their teammates and embracing the opportunity to compete internationally. The experience in Belfast provided valuable lessons and memories that our Canadian athletes can carry forward into future international competitions.
One of the individual highlights of the event came for Cameron Lefresne, who reached a significant career milestone during the AIC by playing in his 100th international bowls game. This is an incredible achievement and a testament to Cam’s determination, passion for bowls, and the hard work he has put into his career. Reaching 100 international games is a milestone worth celebrating, and Bowls Canada Boulingrin congratulates Cam on this remarkable accomplishment!
From the first bowl to the final end, Team Canada carried the Maple Leaf with pride and represented Canada with respect, determination and sportsmanship. The team’s commitment, support for one another and positive approach were evident throughout the competition, both on and off the green. While the team did not return home with a medal, the effort and spirit shown throughout the AIC made for a week that Canadian bowls can be proud of.
A special thank you goes to the event organizers, umpires, volunteers and hosts in Belfast for helping deliver an international competition that provided athletes from four nations with the opportunity to compete and develop on the international stage.
Bowls Canada Boulingrin congratulates all the athletes who represented Canada and thanks the coaches, directors, team managers and support staff who supported the team throughout the competition. Team Canada can be proud of the way they represented Canada throughout the 2026 Atlantic International Challenge, both on and off the green.
