20th International Island Games Part 3: Badminton – Triumph of Community and Competition

20th International Island Games Part 3: Highlights and Reflections from the Badminton Coordinator
By Elaine Gray | Kirkwall, Orkney

Blessed with days of glorious sunshine, the badminton events represented the culmination of two years of meticulous preparation and teamwork. The local committee, volunteers, and the broader badminton community all contributed to delivering an unforgettable experience. The spirit of collaboration was palpable, echoing the belief that “Teamwork makes the dream work.”

IG2025 Committee members:

  • Moira Nicolson – Depute Co-ordinator
  • Mark Kirkbride – Lead of IT & Mike Robertson and Bob Beharie
  • Cath Bremner – Lead of Admin/EXIS
  • Steven Bruce – Lead of Court Attendants/Meet & Greet
  • Ross Groundwater – Haulage/BS Liaison
  • Eion Ballantine – Arena Supervisor
  • Karen Kent – Treasurer/Shuttles
  • Kitty Work – Lead of Medal Ceremonies/Opening Ceremony
  • Rebecca Reid – Technical Committee
  • Stuart Gray – Transport
  • Calvin Reid – Operations Manager/Pickaquoy Centre Staff
  • Sheila Reid – Hospitality

The IG2025 Committee members and Badminton IT Team

A formidable force of 52 volunteers played indispensable roles—meeting and greeting players and spectators, sweeping courts, sorting shuttles or entering scores. Special thanks go to the IT team led by Mark Kirkbride, ably supported by Mike Robertson and Bob Beharie. The live streaming by Mallard allowed families and residents near and far to witness every match, with badminton achieving the highest combined viewing figures of any sport at the Games.

The event’s international calibre was further enhanced by the presence and expertise of officials and umpires from Badminton Scotland and various island communities:

  • Badminton Scotland/Umpires: Elaine Bankier, Jim Gauld, Peter Chiu, Moira Grassie, Barry McNab, Chris Steeden
  • Island Umpires: Jonfinn Petursson and Herman Eysturoy (Faroe Islands), Andre Trebert (Guernsey), Hans Boassen, Kristian Degn (Greenland), Caroline Whitehead (Isle of Man)
  • BS Officials/Volunteers: Colin Campbell (Tournament Referee), Ryan McCuaig & Pamela Muirhead (Match Controllers), Jim Grassie & Marisa Baird (Technical Officials), Andy Muirhead/Mat Layer & Pauline Campbell

 

Match Control and Officials Team, pictured with Elaine and Moira from the Orkney 2025 Team. Photo by Mike Robertson (Orkney)

Their professionalism ensured the competition maintained the highest international standards, with officials overseeing around 470 matches, totalling 19,818 points in the Individuals and 14,471 in

the Team Event. The competition made use of tubes of shuttles (1,440 individual shuttles), highlighting the scale of the event.

Hosting the Games has been several years in the making & would not have been possible without the dedication shown by Gordon Deans, Chair of the Orkney 2025 Organising Committee, Kirsty Talbot, Games Director, Jo Henry Depute Games Director and the wider IG2025 committee.

Furthermore, generous sponsorship was instrumental in making the Games a success, thanks to the sponsors & supporters: Loganair, Badminton Scotland & Victor Sport UK. A special mention must go to Silver Sponsor Bob Clouston of R Clouston Ltd, as well as M & K Wick Properties Ltd, Orkney Aggregates, Orkney Renewable Energy Forum (OREF), JD Peace Cars, Alfred Flett Ltd. Supporters – KML Engraving & Jewellery Repairs & Rendall Furnishings.

A heartfelt thank you also goes to Kevin Smith of Sandwick Strings, Shetland, who completed an incredible 86 racquet restrings during the Games—his effort was essential in supporting players at all levels throughout the event.

Orkney’s athletes had a landmark week, finishing fifth overall in the team event—their best-ever result. The bronze medal win by women’s doubles pair Jody Groundwater and Rebecca Reid was a standout highlight, inspiring hope for a lasting legacy that encourages more local players to pick up a racket.

Jody Groundwater and Rebecca Reid after securing Orkney’s first ever badminton medal

Above all, the Orkney Island Games badminton events fostered joy, unity, and sportsmanship. The electric atmosphere, the forging of new friendships, and rekindling of old ones captured the essence of why the Island Games are known as the Friendly Games.

To have witnessed such spirit and to have been part of something so special is an experience that surpassed every expectation.

Elaine Gray
Badminton Co-ordinator
IG2025