Downs, 80, died after a short illness in December 2009 following a lifetime of sporting involvement.

His nomination for induction into the Hall of Fame was considered by the Bowls Victoria Board last August and approved.

But the announcement was only made at the recent group championships held at Corowa.

He had previously been recognised with life memberships of the Ovens and Murray Football League, Rutherglen Bowling Club, The Ovens and Murray (Group 6) Bowling Association and Royal Victorian Bowling Association.

Mr Downs received an Order of Australia Medal in 1994 and an Australian Sports Medal in 2000.

He won 16 singles championships at Rutherglen, was runner-up in the Victorian country singles and represented Victoria 36 times.

He was president of the RVBA from 1996 to 1998 and president of Bowls Australia in 1999 and 2000.

His pinnacle in bowls officialdom was reached from 1998 to 2000 when he was vice-president of World Bowls.

He was chairman of the Asia-Pacific Association, a Bowls Australia selector and former chairman of selectors for Victoria.

His wife Jean accepted the award at a function held at Corowa.