Last week, badminton took center stage at the Special Olympics World Games in Abu Dhabi, marking the largest event for individuals with intellectual disabilities in the sport’s history. As one of the 25 sports featured in the Games, badminton showcased the incredible talent and skill of athletes with intellectual disabilities from March 15th to 21st.
The event not only highlighted the athletes’ abilities but also included officials who had participated in the SOOPA program. This initiative encourages Special Olympics athletes who have mastered a sport to become certified officials, with some even serving as line judges.
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With 13 medal divisions, including five for men, five for women, and three mixed divisions, badminton demonstrated its commitment to inclusion and diversity. The Special Olympics World Games brought together over 7,500 athletes from 190 nations, marking a significant milestone in the 50-year history of the event.
The Badminton World Federation (BWF) continued to strengthen its partnership with Special Olympics International (SOI). BWF President Poul-Erik Høyer, along with ambassadors Peter Gade and Wang Yihan, attended the Games, emphasizing the value of inclusivity and the growth of badminton worldwide.
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Høyer expressed his satisfaction with the progress made by Special Olympics, stating, “Special Olympics means that badminton is able to embrace inclusion. I find it very important that we can include a lot of players so that hopefully everybody will be able to play badminton in the future.”
This event marked the first time the Special Olympics World Games took place in the Middle East and North Africa region, with Germany set to host the next Games in 2023.
Jon-Paul St. Germain, Senior Director of Unified Sports and Sport Partnerships at Special Olympics, emphasized the unique appeal of badminton within the organization. He praised the sport for its inclusivity, accessibility, and the ease with which it unifies individuals, both with and without intellectual disabilities. St. Germain predicted a significant expansion of badminton programs in the coming years, thanks to the support and involvement of the Badminton World Federation.
Drew Boshell, Senior Vice President of Sport and Health at Special Olympics, echoed St. Germain’s sentiments, highlighting the strategic goal of growing badminton worldwide. Through the organization’s partnership with the BWF and alignment with the Shuttle Time program, Special Olympics has been able to train more coaches and provide valuable training opportunities for athletes.
Additionally, the technical officials involved in the event will continue their collaboration with the UAE Badminton Association, as many will be part of the Dubai Para-Badminton International in April. Jaafar Sayed, the technical director at UAE Badminton, expressed his confidence in the officials’ expertise, stating, “They know badminton, they know the rules, and they are listed as official referees.” The Dubai tournament will feature approximately 300 of the world’s best Para badminton players.
FAQs
Q1: What is the significance of the Special Olympics World Games for badminton?
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The Special Olympics World Games provide an opportunity for individuals with intellectual disabilities to showcase their talent and skills in badminton. It promotes inclusivity and diversity within the sport, encouraging the participation of athletes from around the world.
Q2: How many athletes participated in the Special Olympics World Games?
Over 7,500 athletes from 190 nations participated in the Games, making it a truly global event.
Q3: What is the future outlook for badminton within the Special Olympics?
Badminton holds a unique place within the Special Olympics due to its accessibility and ability to bring people together. It is expected that badminton programs will see significant expansion in the coming years, thanks to the collaboration between the Badminton World Federation and Special Olympics International.
Summary
The Special Olympics World Games in Abu Dhabi celebrated the success of badminton as one of the featured sports. With over 7,500 athletes from 190 nations participating, the event highlighted the talent and inclusivity of the sport. The Badminton World Federation’s partnership with Special Olympics International played a crucial role in promoting the growth of badminton worldwide. The Games not only showcased the performance of athletes but also recognized the importance of healthcare, social integration, and overall well-being. The event marked a significant milestone in the history of the Special Olympics and set the stage for the next World Games in Germany in 2023.
To learn more about the Special Olympics World Games and the future of badminton within the organization, visit Carnegiecentre.com.
Nguồn: https://carnegiecentre.com
Danh mục: Tin tức
