I have just returned from Cardiff where the Welsh Badminton Union hosted the first National Badminton Championships on behalf of Special Olympics Great Britain, from 30th May to 1st June 2008.

Special Olympics Scotland West sent a team of 6 athletes to the Championships, all of whom trained 2 - 3 times a week to help them to achieve a number of great results at the Championships.

Ross McCann, at his first ever badminton competition, won Gold in the Class 3 Men's Singles and 5th place in Class 1 Men's Doubles. Derek Tomkinson won Gold in the Class 2 Mixed Doubles in a very closely fought final with a home pair from Wales, and also received a 5th place ribbon in Class 1 Men's Doubles and Men's Singles.

Karen Lyttle won Gold in Class 2 Mixed Doubles, Silver in Class 1 Ladies Doubles and 4th place ribbon in Class 2 Ladies Singles. Grant Hunter won Gold in Class 1 Men's Doubles and Bronze in Class 1 Men's Singles.

Diane Gillan brought home the largest haul of medals of the ladies and was only 2 points away from achieving Gold on all three of her events. Diane won Gold in Class 1 Ladies Singles, Gold in Class 1 Mixed Doubles and Silver in Class 1 Ladies Doubles. Not to be outdone James Pert also came close to achieving triple Gold and won Gold in Class 1 Men's Doubles, Gold in Class 1 Mixed Doubles and Silver in Class 1 Men's Singles.

The 6 athletes managed to bring home between them 8 Gold, 3 Silver and 1 Bronze medals, as well as one 4th and two 5th place ribbons. I was extremely proud of the whole team's achievements and had a great time with them over the weekend, although I think the best moment of the competition was when one of the team came and told me 'he had made a new friend, Stephen from Wales'. That is what it is all about.

The members of Special Olympics Scotland West and other athletes training at Badminton Scotland's Glasgow Disability Badminton Club are already looking forward to their next competition at the Welsh 4 Nations Disability Badminton Championships in August 2008, but unless some sponsors can be found the number of athletes able to go may have to be restricted.

The event is in Cardiff and costs can quickly mount up, even for a small team of athletes, so if there is anyone out there who would like to sponsor the team for next yearís event please get in touch.

Finally, many thanks to Denise Dunn, my assistant coach and driver for the weekend, whose experience and assistance was invaluable.

By David Gillespie
Head Coach Badminton, Special Olympics Scotland West