Special Olympics Suffolk compete in Action packed Badminton Tournament

Special Olympics Suffolk delivery partner, ActivLives, held an Inclusive Badminton Tournament recently at Gainsborough Sports Centre in IpswichThe event, delivered by ActivLives, in partnership with Special Olympics Suffolk, was action packed with 30 competitors from inclusive groups in Ipswich, Wimbledon, Canterbury and Lincoln taking part.

These inclusive events are specifically for athletes who have an intellectual (learning) disability, they are sanctioned and supported by Special Olympics GB, as part of their calendar of events held across the country.

Allison Boggis, Chair of Special Olympics Suffolk, said, ‘The event was really successful. The standard of play was high and there was some fabulous competition with new and experienced badminton players from Suffolk and beyond taking part. It was fantastic to see the great support the players received from coaches, volunteers and family members’.

Many thanks to the brilliant team of volunteers who made the event happen, and to all of the partner organisations involved – including,  ActivLives, Special Olympics Suffolk, Special Olympics GB, Suffolk Community Foundation and Ipswich Borough Council.  

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

Special Olympics Suffolk Badminton Players flying the County Flag in Kent

Suffolk badminton players flew the county flag successfully at a Para-Disability Badminton tournament held recently in Gillingham, Kent. The event was hosted by Kent Badminton, in partnership with Badminton England and was attended by the President of Badminton England, Derek Batchelor and the CEO, Sue Storey.  

In addition to our local athletes, the event attracted competitors from Kent, Middlesex, Surrey, Lancashire and Devon.

Seven athletes from Special Olympics Suffolk/ActivLives competed with great distinction, in divisions for athletes with an intellectual (learning) disability, across the singles and doubles events.

We have seen some brilliant performances from our players today, which have resulted in medals of all colours being won”, said Mike McCarthy, Badminton Coach from ActivLives and Special Olympics Suffolk. “As well as being competitive though, the positive, exuberant and fun attitude of our athletes is a privilege to witness, they are a credit to Suffolk!”.

The full results for this event can be found at https://be.tournamentsoftware.com/sport/winners.aspx?id=9ad0c9ca-67f4-4f5a-86e1-0e8e6be2707a     

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