Para-Badminton World Championships awarded to home of Paralympic Movement
Stoke Mandeville, the English village which gave rise to the Paralympic Games, will be the location for September's Para-Badminton World Championships, it has been announced.
In a fitting choice considering the discipline was added to the Paralympic programme for the Tokyo 2020 Games last October, action is due to take place from 8-13 September. In a purpose-built facility which is also the National Centre for Disability Sport in the Uk and the home of WheelPower, the national disability sports organisation for wheelchair sport.
The Stoke Mandeville Games were originally organised in the nearby hospital as part of rehabilitation treatment for injured Second World War veterans. These Games developed into an international event, the ninth edition of which in Rome in 1960 were recognised as the first Paralympic Games.
This historical significance was recognised by Badminton World Federation President Poul-Erik Høyer when he spoke about the "perfect choice of location". He said:
'It is appropriate these Championships are being held in Stoke Mandeville which is world-renowned for its contribution and connection to Para-sport.'
Høyer continued:
'As we look towards Tokyo 2020, we are building the global participation and quality of athletes in the sport and the World Championships every two years is a great opportunity to see the rising talent coming through.
The World Championships in Dortmund, Germany in 2013 were inspirational and I am sure these Championships will be a great showcase of this emerging talent.'
Around 235 athletes from 36 countries are set to compete, with travel subsidies being offered by the BWF in order to boost participation.
This event hosted by Badminton England, will be the climax of a busy 2015 season for the world's best players, with international action beginning next month with the V Spanish Para-Badminton International in Alcudia, Spain, followed by furthered events in Beijing, Dublin and Solo, Indonesia.
Adrian Christy, Badminton England Chief Executive said:
'We are thrilled to be hosting the prestigious BWF Para-Badminton World Championships in England later this year, and in the birthplace of Para-sports competitions.'
Martin McElhatton, Chief Executive of WheelPower, who own Stoke Mandeville Stadium is delighted to be welcoming the event, he said:
'We are thrilled to be welcoming the BWF Para-Badminton World Championships 2015 to Stoke Mandeville and providing a fantastic setting for the top para-badminton players in the world to showcase their talents. Stoke Mandeville has a long history of staging international sporting events and the para-badminton family will receive a warm welcome from our experienced team and everyone in the local Aylesbury Vale and Buckinghamshire communities."
For more information about the BWF Para-Badminton World Championships visit the BWF website.
