Deer Park’s Mark Casey will be among a rare group as one of the inaugural World Bowls Hall of Fame inductees.
The World Bowls Hall of Fame recognises the sport’s most outstanding players, both past and present, with a comprehensive list of inductees to be celebrated at a special induction ceremony in early November.
Casey, who is Deer Park’s head of bowls operations and player, said it was a shock to be named one of the inaugural inductees.
“I received an email from World Bowls and then had a call from the World Bowls president,” he said.
“It’s a huge honour to be recognised with such an incredible talent group of players.
“I was initially surprised but extremely grateful, it means so much, particularly for my family who have sacrificed a lot for me to be able to follow my dream.”
Casey enjoyed a 13-year international career representing the Australian Jackaroos up until December 2016 where he amassed 292 caps and a swag of world titles and Commonwealth Games medals.
He won Commonwealth Games gold (2006) and silver (2010) medals, five world championship medals including gold in the 2012 men’s fours plus three Asia Pacific gold medals.
He has also been bestowed with a Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) for his services to bowls.
Casey is one of the co-founders of the revolutionary UBC bowls competition and he is a prominent club administrator.
He said it would be a special occasion to receive the award.
I’ve always played the sport to have success, particularly in teams, that’s always been my priority, but these types of awards certainly mean the world to me,” he said.
“I only lost my mother less than two months ago so this one will always be special for me.
“My wife and I are travelling over to Malaysia for the ceremony, from all reports it sounds like it’s going to be an amazing night with around 400 people attending. It’s going to be special, that’s for sure.”
Aron Sherriff, who has signed on to play for Deer Park this season, is also among the inductees.
The two-time championship player at the Parkers, enjoyed a glittering 17-year international career with the Australian Jackaroos before announcing his international retirement in October 2024.
He has won seven straight Australian titles.
While having achieved so much in the bowls world, Casey’s focus now is more locally and helping Deer Park further cement itself as one of the premier clubs in Victoria.
The club’s premier division side has made the past four grand finals.
“I love this club, my sole focus is ensuring the club is successful,” he said. “Our pennant season is only a couple of weeks away, and I can’t wait to get stuck in again.
“I’ve still got the fire in the belly to win.”
