Badminton players from throughout the South West to compete in charity fundraiser
On 17 November, over 100 badminton players will be converging on Thornbury to enjoy a whole day of competition… and raise vital funds for us.
An estimated 340 million people play Badminton, one of the world’s most popular sports as well as one of the most inclusive, fastest and exciting to watch.
And on 17 November, over 100 of the most enthusiastic players from the South West and South Wales will be converging on Thornbury Leisure Centre to enjoy a whole day of competition… and raise vital funds for a local stroke charity.
The Badminton tournament on behalf of Bristol After Stroke is now in its seventh year, having raised almost £25,000 in that time. It is organised by Dr Praveen Kumar, an Associate Professor in Stroke Rehabilitation at the University of the West of England who works very closely with the charity and helps run some of its rehabilitation courses.
“The event brings together two of my passions,” he says, “and we have seen it grow from just a dozen or so teams from my own club taking part in the very first tournament to men and women from many miles around coming to compete.
“This year, for the first time, we will have a children’s category for young people aged between seven and 15.”
Doubles teams (men’s, women’s, mixed and children’s) participate in round robin games across up to eight courts before going into the knock-out stages. Winners and runners up receive trophies as well as certificates and medals.
“People of all abilities are taking part,” says Praveen, “although the standard of those reaching the last few stages is high. But it also brings together people from a wide range of communities.”
Did you know that:
* While the modern version of the game was first played by British Army officers in India, its roots go much further back, with versions being played in ancient Greece, India, China and Egypt.
* India had its own version, called “Poona” or “Poonah”, and it is thought that this inspired British officers stationed in the town of Poona to create their own version.
* There are strong West Country links to the sport: the official rules were established in the late 19th century by J. H. E. Hart of the Bath Badminton Club, who wrote the very first set of rules for Badminton in 1873, and these are the foundation for the way the game is played today.
* Its name also derives from the Gloucestershire estate owned by The Duke of Beaufort.
* Badminton first became an Olympic sport in 1992.
Find out more on: https://justgiving.com/page/praveen-kumar-1726089166243?utm_medium=fundraising&utm_content=page%2Fpraveen-kumar-1726089166243&utm_source=copyLink&utm_campaign=pfp-share
Or email Praveen on: [email protected]
