Vale Darryl Wilson
A highly accomplished bowler who took pride in representing South Australia and Australia.
Bowls SA extends our deepest sympathies to the family, friends, fellow state team members, and the Para Hills and Birchmore Bowling Club communities on the passing of Darryl Willson.
For over two decades, Darryl excelled in disability bowls as part of South Australia’s DSA ‘Wombats’ team and was a valued member of Bowls SA’s State Team since 2022. His dedication to his sport and willingness to support others served as an inspiration to numerous bowlers, including gold medalists and state representatives.
Passionate about both football and lawn bowls, Darryl found solace in the latter as it allowed him to compete at a high level without limitations imposed by his wheelchair. Additionally, he contributed significantly as a sports trainer at Tea Tree Gully District Football Club for more than 20 years, leading to the establishment of the Darryl Willson Medical Rooms in his honor last year.
Darryl proudly represented Australia in International Bowling for the Disabled competitions across New Zealand, South Africa, and within Australia donning the green and gold attire. His remarkable achievements include being selected for the 2018 Commonwealth Games Squad where he made it to the final 4 squad members before missing out to the eventual named squad of 3 in 2017 after self-funding his participation prior to 2022 out of sheer determination to represent his state and country at elite levels.
State disability Events since 2010
2010 Bronze pairs
2011 Bronze pairs
2012 Gold pairs
2015 Silver pairs
2016 Silver pairs
State open events
2017 (or 2016) runner up Triples
State Representation since 2015
2015 Silver pairs
2016 Silver pairs
2018 Gold pairs
2022 Bronze pairs
International Representation
2013 Masters games Bronze
2014 Pan Pacific games Bronze X2
International Representation Australia IBD
2011 South Africa
2015 New Zealand
We send our deepest condolences to Darryl’s family and friends.
Darryl is pictured here with his fellow team mate and good friend Andrew Reed, after being awarded a bronze medal for Para Pairs at the 2022 Nationals.
