	Week Beginning 18/03/2009

New Badminton Club Breeds Success.....

(Back: Connor McFaralane & Neal Jarvie. Front: Dave Quarry & kirsty Jones)

The Lothian Disability Badminton Club was founded in November 2009 and is suitable for players of any level with a physical disability, including Cerbral Palsy, spinal injuries, dwarfism, amputees etc. After consultation with various parties we decided to start the club at Musselburgh Sports Centre, East Lothian and takes place on Tuesday evenings, 7:00pm – 9:00pm. . This is the only disabled badminton club in the East of Scotland and our aim is to develop the sport as much as possible with members having the opportunity to compete in competitions. At the moment our members travel from all over Scotland to attend, however we would like to encourage more local players to get involved.

At a recent 4 nations tournament held in Liverpool, two of the clubs wheelchair players were triumphant. Kirsty Jones won silver in the ladies wheelchair singles and gold in the ladies wheelchair doubles and wheelchair mixed doubles, an excellent performance from an outstanding player. Congratulations also goes to, David Quarry who partnered Kirsty in the mixed, also won silver in he wheelchair singles and gold in the wheelchair doubles, partnering England’s Kevin Bettany.

The club is coached and supported by East Lothian Councils Badminton Development Officer, Christine black as well as the Chairperson of the 4 nations disabled badminton championships, Lyndon Williams. Players gain a wealth of experience and knowledge to help develop their game.

We are currently seeking new members, at any level, who would like to give badminton a try as well as gaining from all the experience the coaches can offer. If you would like further information or would like to give this growing sport a try please contact Gary Fraser, Lothian Disability Sport Development Coordinator, on 01875 619 070 or gfraser1@eastlothian.gov.uk.