Further opportunities for people with disabilities will soon be available after Badminton Scotland announced the launch of the Shuttle Inclusive Disability Charter (SIDC)
As more clubs open and more coaches are trained, the new SIDC will increase the accessibility and inclusivity of such opportunities, encouraging growing numbers of people to get involved.
Clubs who are interested in the scheme can apply if they are Shuttlemark Bronze, Silver or Gold accredited, and they fulfil a set criteria to become a SIDC club, with support available to clubs from their Regional Development Officer.
Once accredited, clubs will have access to a series of rewards, including training and Continuous Professional Development (CPD), and working alongside partners such as Scottish Disability Sport (SDS) to maximise best practice in disability badminton in Scotland.
The first ever edition of the Perth & Kinross Disability Sport Badminton Championships 2019 played host to the launch of the SIDC, with the event taking place on Saturday 14 December.
‘‘We were delighted to see Badminton Scotland launch SIDC at the tournament,” said John Grant, Glenearn Badminton Club President.
“For us as a Perth club, we are delighted to see the Open come to Perth, and having been involved this year in a series of taster sessions that we have organised and run throughout the area for young people with disabilities, it is great to see a follow-up from this’’
At the North Inch Community Campus in Perth, four competition sections were played as singles across the Perth & Kinross Disability Sport Badminton Championships.
A round robin was contested in four categories: players with a physical disability – wheelchair, players with a physical disability – ambulant, players with a learning disability and short stature players.
Placing was determined by the number of wins in the group and the top two players in each section contested a final to be crowned the inaugural champions.
Kirsty Flockhart, parent of one of the players stated: ‘’This is Finlay’s first experience of playing para badminton and it has been hugely positive. The older & more experienced players have not only encouraged Finlay but inspired him as well as he now realises he has real potential to do well on the para badminton pathway.’’
After the group stages, Glenearn Badminton Club demonstrated their inclusive approach by showcasing a doubles match with Kevin and Michael Rice, as players, family and friends were invited to play some fun doubles on the available courts.
Graeme Doig, Perth & Kinross Disability Sport Branch Coordinator, said: ‘‘I am delighted to host the first ever Perth & Kinross Disability Sport Badminton Championships and it’s great to see so many players from across Scotland taking part.
“This is truly partnership working at its best between Badminton Scotland, Glenearn Badminton Club, Scottish Disability Sport and ourselves to create this event.
“One of our main goals is to encourage more people with a disability to get active in sport and physical activity and we work hard at a local level in increase participation opportunities.
“I hope this event acts to raise awareness of disability badminton in Perth & Kinross and beyond and the pathways that exist to participate, progress and perform to the best of an individual’s ability.’’
David Gillespie a member of Badminton Scotland Disability Working Group and coach representative of Glasgow Disability Badminton Club (GDBC) said: ‘‘The addition of Perth & Kinross Disability Badminton Championships has provided club members at GDBC the confidence to compete alongside mainstream club players.’’
Badminton Scotland’s National Disability Championships are on Saturday 25 January at Dalkeith Campus. Entry forms are now available, closing date is 10th January 2020.