Wednesday 28th September 2016, Meadowmill Sports Centre, East Lothian
The official Lothian Disability Sport Schools Calendar of Events kicked off for 2016 / 2017 with the annual Badminton Participatory Festival, welcoming 48 young people from across the region. The event provided an opportunity for individuals to develop their badminton skills through a series of skill stations, each focusing on specific areas of the sport. The afternoon session of the event saw all participating school pupils play half court friendly matches against their peers from their own school and others from neighbouring schools, promoting the social interaction aspect of the event as well as the physical activity focus. With nine schools entering in total, there were young people with physical sensory and learning impairments in attendance from both primary and secondary
The festival introduced many of the participants to the sport for the first time but also adapted activities to challenge players who had accessed the event previously, proving a smash hit with many of the young people and staff alike, with one teacher commenting “it was the best event yet. I had some reluctant pupils who all blossomed and enjoyed the day”. It’s a great introduction to the sport and allows the school pupils an opportunity to experience this in a fun and friendly environment.
As in previous years, the event was organised and delivered collaboratively by Lothian Disability Sport, East Lothian’s Badminton development officer Christine Black and Lothian Disability Badminton Club who provided players to support with delivery on the day. The day also benefits significant from students from Edinburgh College who support and work closely with the young people throughout.
If you would like to find out more about badminton opportunities in the Lothian region, please get in touch with Neal Herbert on 0131 475 2374 or admin@lothiandisabilitysport.co.uk.