Biography
Phillip Francis worked tirelessly in the promotion and administration of Lawn Bowling in Leaside and beyond for well over 25 years and over these years enhanced the profile of Lawn Bowling.
Leaside Lawn Bowling Club
Elected as Vice President 2007, and President 2008–2012 and again in 2023. Club positions included greens director and director special events. During his tenure Phillip introduced “Rock n Bowl program”, a corporate team building program and developed various ongoing relationships to assist charitable organizations with fundraising. In 2011, Phillip provided leadership in the renovation of Leaside Lawn Bowling Club under the Federal Recreation Infrastructure Program including the redesign of the club-house resulting in a fully accessible facility (approximately $300,000).
Ontario Lawn Bowling Association
Elected Director OLBA IN 2015 (Director Grant and Funding) and in 2016 Elected Vice President OLBA. During 2016–2018, Phillip completed the process for OLBA to be accredited as the Ontario Provincial Sport Organization (PSO) representing the sport of lawn bowls.
In 2019–2022, Phillip was the President of OLBA. In this position he chaired the committee responsible for the development of the OLBA Strategic Plan and annual OLBA operational plan and conducted the review and development of OLBA policies as required by the Ministry of Heritage, Sport, Tourism and Culture Industries, Ontario Amateur Sport Fund program. He completed Ontario Trillium Fund registration criteria to enable OLBA member clubs to apply for Capital Grants and the “New Horizon” program.
Bowls Canada
In 2022, Phillip was elected for a four-year term as Director-at-Large of Bowls Canada and has been a member of the fundraising and governance committees responsible for successful grant applications totaling over $900,000.
Leaside Sports Hall of Fame
When the Leaside Sports Hall of Fame was created in 2013, Phillip represented the Leaside Lawn Bowling Club which was a founding member of the organization. He was a Board member and Secretary of the Leaside Sports Hall of Fame from 2016 to 2019.