Mencap Sport makes a smash with badminton scheme

Sport can be used in many ways to help adults with a learning disability live a more fulfilling lifestyle. For charity Mencap Sport, one fine example is that of badminton, a sport that has now been embraced by volunteers in Haringey.

Achieved in collaboration with Black Arrows Badminton Club, BADMINTON England and Special Olympics GB, a one-year plan to get more adults with a learning disability playing badminton has already proven a hit after being launched last week.

Black Arrows Badminton Club head coach, Henry, comments: “Black Arrows Badminton Club, a BADMINTON England ‘Club Mark’ club, has a long history of successful badminton development in London, working in partnership with BADMINTON England, Arsenal Football club and a number of local authorities and other partners.

“As a club we have been actively involved in promoting, encouraging and delivering badminton playing opportunities for disabled people, working in close partnership with the Elfrida Society for the past three years. Our programme is expanding and this new pilot project with Mencap Haringey will create another local venue in North London, where local disabled people can get to play the sport of badminton, learn new skills, have fun, and make new friends in a safe fun environment. We are hoping that this session can be established as an ongoing club session which is much needed in Haringey.”

Looking to get adults playing both recreationally and competitively, the scheme has allowed one delighted participant to revisit the sport.

Herald, who is a member of Haringey Mencap and has a learning disability, says, “I have played badminton before but not for many years. When I heard about the sessions I was interested straight away. It’s a good session because it gives me the chance to play badminton and build my skills.”

Andy Heffer, director of sports and development for Special Olympics GB, comments: “We're very excited by the start of this new project. We know that a lot of people with a learning disability play badminton recreationally, but relatively few make the transition into coaching and competition and this new partnership will help to address this.”

Ian Carpenter, national sport manager for Mencap says: “It’s fantastic to see that through our positive partnership with BADMINTON England, people with a learning disability are getting the opportunity to have a go at badminton. Our ongoing work means people with a learning disability will be able to play badminton on a regular basis and also have the opportunity to play competitively. What’s more, our Learning Disability Awareness in Sport workshops will enable coaches and volunteers from local badminton clubs to develop their knowledge and skills.”