England duo help at launch

NEW CLUB LOOKING TO INTRODUCE MORE PEOPLE TO RAPIDLY GROWING SPORT WHICH SUITS ALL Parabadminton

History was made on Friday as the Canterbury Parabadminton Group had their official launch at the King’s School recreational centre in Canterbury. Two T e am En g l a n d Parabadminton stars Martin Rooke, a wheelchair player and James Binnie, a standing player, came down to support the event by giving a demonstration and providing hints and tips to the players.

The group was set up at the beginning of the year and currently only contains wheelchair players.

However, from September, the group is opening up to people of all disabilities now that the King’s school have installed electronic doors, making it easier for people with disabilities to access the building.

The group train at the King’s School recreation centre on a Thursday evening from 8-9.30 pm.

Sessions are run by Lesley Uphill who is a Level 3 Badminton England coach and organises training to help players reach their full potential.

The Canterbury Parabadminton Group are thankful to their sponsor Handlesbanken who have helped provide the group with the equipment they need to run the sessions.

Parabadminton is a rapidly growing sport and is suitable for a range of physical disabilities.

It will be included in the 2020 Paralympics in Tokyo.

So, if you have a physical disability and would like to play, contact canterbury@ parabadminton. co. uk or the King’s School Recreation Centre via email to Nick Holden at n.holden@kingsrecreation.co.uk or phone 01227 812921.

FM4457254, FM4457275 Parabadminton England player Martin Rooke, and inset, Canterbury parabadminton coach Lesley Uphill Pictures: Ruth Cuerden main;