Our very own badminton and sports coach, Mike McCarthy chatted to Gaby Roslin on the BBC radio programe ‘Making a Difference’ on Sunday about inclusive sporting activities for disabled people in Suffolk. He explained that mainstream sports aren’t accessible for all and that there are a lack of sporting opportunities for people with learning disabilities particularly when they leave school. You can find the recording on BBC Sounds at https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/m002qb65  (around 31 minutes into the program)

As you know, Mike is the SO Suffolk badminton and boccia coach. He trains regularly every week and gets the best out of all participants. With the help from a trusty group of volunteers, Mike organises and hosts two badminton and boccia tournaments in Suffolk every year. He recently won a well deserved 2025 BBC Radio Suffolk Make a Difference Award for his work promoting inclusive sports for people with disabilities across Suffolk. He was recognised for leading weekly sports sessions, managing inclusive tournaments and using physical activity to improve community lives.

Huge congratulations, Mike from all at SO Suffolk!