Round of thanks for Perth stalwart
Ian’s service to badminton hailed at presentation
Badminton Scotland has offered their congratulations to former president Ian Brown after he was presented with the British Empire Medal for his services to the sport.
Perth-based Ian has, for many years, been a key figure in the organisation of the sport throughout Scotland and last week’s presentation comes after he was named in the Queen’s Birthday Honours list in June.
Accompanied by his wife Catherine, Ian was presented with his award by Mel Jameson CBE, Lord Lieutenant of Perth and Kinross, at a Civic Reception hosted by Perth and Kinross Council.
Among other attendees were key officials from Badminton Scotland who were there to show their support for a man who has been integral to the development of badminton, both in his local community and throughout the country.
Ian has been involved with badminton since 1967 when he first took up the sport and his association has continued to grow over the years.
He was president of Badminton Mel Jameson, Ian Brown, Ian’s wife Catherine and Perth and Kinross provost Dennis Melloy Scotland from 1989 to 1991, prior to which he acted as both senior (from 1987 to 1989) and junior (from 1985 to 1987) vice president. Having stepped down as president in 1991 Ian was appointed as company secretary, a role he held until 2017.
Ian is also a key figure in the organisation of some of Badminton Scotland’s major events.
Anne Smillie, Badminton Scotland’s Chief Executive, paid tribute to Ian.
She said: “I have long been grateful for the immense contribution that Ian has made over the last 50 years he has been associated with the sport.
“To see his contribution recognised in the wider community through the award of a British Empire Medal is indeed a fitting tribute to an individual who has dedicated a lifetime of service to our sport and its events.
“There may be some who have given equal, but none have given more to Scottish badminton than Ian Brown, BEM.”
In addition to his commitments at a national level, Ian still finds time to dedicate to the development of the sport in his local area in a number of positions.
One such position was as the president of the Perth and District Badminton Association, a role he held from 1991 to 2017.
Having made the decision to step down as president of Perth and District in the summer, he was immediately made honorary president.