Badminton Ireland and SOI Memorandum of Understanding 2024

Badminton Ireland and Special Olympics Ireland Sign Memorandum of Understanding to Support Inclusive Club Model

18 Sep 2024

Badminton Ireland and Special Olympics Ireland are pleased to announce the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to promote inclusivity. This creates a pathway and further opportunities for badminton players with an intellectual disability to join Badminton Ireland clubs and take part in Special Olympics activity.

Badminton has always been a popular sport for athletes with intellectual disabilities, with several Irish athletes achieving international success.

This MOU represents a significant step forward in fostering inclusive sports environments throughout Ireland. Special Olympics athletes who play badminton will now have greater access to clubs across the country, while badminton clubs will be supported in welcoming these players and creating an inclusive community atmosphere.

Enda Lynch, CEO of Badminton Ireland, commented on the partnership, saying: "We are thrilled to partner with Special Olympics Ireland and give all players with an intellectual disability the opportunity to play our great sport. We want to make the starting experience for players and their guardians alike as easy as possible. Badminton clubs throughout Ireland have long been centres of inclusivity and positivity — this agreement makes it even easier to carry on their great work. My thanks to Matt English, Karen Coventry and the team in Special Olympics Ireland for their support, and to the Board and staff of Badminton Ireland for taking on this exciting opportunity."

Matt English, CEO of Special Olympics Ireland, also praised the initiative, saying: "This partnership with Badminton Ireland is a fantastic step in the right direction to provide opportunities to more players with an intellectual disability in an inclusive environment, to play and compete in badminton. We are very grateful to CEO Enda Lynch, Lauren Au, Chloe Magee and the Board and team at Badminton Ireland for their commitment to make a real difference in local communities across Ireland. I’m very confident that this partnership will thrive, and many lives will be improved as a result!”

For more information about this partnership or how to get involved contact Badminton Ireland via badmintonireland.com