Special Olympics Suffolk delivery partner, ActivLives, hosted another very successful Inclusive Badminton Tournament on 17th May, at Gainsborough Sports Centre in Ipswich. The event was action packed with 23 competitors from inclusive groups in Ipswich, Wimbledon and Canterbury, playing in singles and doubles events.

  These inclusive competitions are specifically for athletes who have an intellectual (learning) disability, with this particular tournament being sanctioned and supported by Special Olympics GB, as part of their ‘National Summer Series of Sport’, which is being held across the country throughout the summer.  

“The atmosphere today has been absolutely brilliant – the athletes are so supportive of each other and the standard of play is ever improving”, said Mike McCarthy, from ActivLives.

Many thanks to the brilliant team of volunteers who made the event happen, and to all of the partner organisations: ActivLives, Special Olympics Suffolk, Special Olympics GB, Suffolk Community Foundation and Ipswich Borough Council, who continue to support events such as this one.   

If you would like to find out more about badminton for players with a learning disability, please call ActivLives on 01473 345350 or email mike@activlives.org.uk     

A beautiful day at Carlton Keighley, West Yorkshire set the stage for the BKS Athletics Disability Open 2025, where sunshine and scenery matched the enthusiasm and talent on display. Athletes from across the country came together to celebrate inclusive sport — and Special Olympics Suffolk and Orwell Panthers Athletics athletes, Hamish and Gracie made a huge impact.

Hamish bagged gold in the 50m,100m, Discus, and Relay and a bronze in the Shot Put and Gracie was awarded Gold in the Ball Throw and Relay with a Silver in the 100m and Bronze in Standing Long Jump.

Both athletes also recorded personal bests across multiple events, a testament to their hard work and determination.

The atmosphere was inspiring, the performances electric, and the pride immeasurable. Huge congratulations to Hamish and Gracie for representing Suffolk with distinction and heart.

As the 2025 season unfolds, hopes are high for even more opportunities to compete, improve, and inspire. With talent like this, the future of Suffolk disability athletics looks incredibly bright.

The next event takes place on 28th June at the Sports Park at UEA, Norwich where both athletes will be joined by fellow competitors from Orwell Panthers Athletics Club and athletes from the Eastern Region and beyond. Watch this space!