UK Para Badminton Championships 2023: Round Up
By Grania Shankley
From 24-26 November, Badminton Scotland hosted the UK Para Badminton Championships 2023 for the first time at Tollcross International Swimming and Leisure Centre.
The tournament brought together 65+ Physical Disability (PD) and Learning Disability (LD) athletes over three days to play in over 30 events.
For some players, this was their first time competing at this level and playing against opponents from across the UK was a great experience and welcome challenge. We we’re also delighted to welcome entries from regular players and big names in Para badminton who were a thrill to watch.
Our Scottish players made themselves proud, competing and winning matches throughout the event. The finals saw a mixed bag of Scots, English, Irish and British competing which really shows the continued development of Para badminton across the UK.
We’d like to say a huge well done to everyone who played, especially winners and runners up – A huge thank you is due to Anders Foundation who donated the prize money for runners up and winners at the UK Para!
Anders Foundation was formed to encourage young people of all abilities to achieve their sporting goals as a legacy to Anders Neilson who sadly lost his life in 2010 after a year-long fight with cancer.
Reflecting on the success of the event, we’re very much looking ahead to and preparing for the 4 Nations Para Badminton International from 19-23 June 2024 – A key event within the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games qualification period.
2022 saw Badminton Ireland host the first leg in Dublin and with a successful UK Sport funding bid for the following two years (2023-2024), 2023 saw Badminton England host in Sheffield and Glasgow will host the Grade 2 event on the BWF Para Badminton World Circuit.
Thanks again to everyone who contributed toward the success of the event, including players, spectators, volunteers, scorers, announcers and Badminton Scotland staff.
A special shout out to our volunteer scorers from Edinburgh Uni and media volunteers from Glasgow Caledonian University.