All Good For Badminton
FOLLOWING last week’s successful Indoor Athletics meet, Thornaby Pavilion hosted another well-attended junior tournament this weekend, in the field of badminton. The Tees Active-sponsored tournament ran from Saturday morning until Sunday afternoon and was open to everyone under 19 years old who attend a school or badminton club within the Tees Valley, regardless of ability.
There were a total of 30 events with categories for boys and girls, singles and doubles and age groups down to under nines.
With 106 participants on Saturday and 120 on Sunday, the weekend saw the Pavilion buzzing with energy and excitement.
Both day’s competitions began with a warm up - players as young as seven years old practising shots in eager anticipation.
Saturday’s singles event was a sporting, good-natured occasion with some superb badminton played by all.
The following day was the doubles events, which proved to be another entertaining combination of friendly competition and close-fought rallies.
Each event category had it’s own mini-league with finals thereafter, ensuring everyone had a chance to play several matches.
Organisers of the event, the Teesside Badminton Coaches association want everyone to participate in such tournaments with ability being no barrier to entry.
Association Secretary Dave Knights said: “We’re so pleased at how well the tournament has been received by contestants and spectators.
“It’s vitally important to us that everyone from complete novices to county standard juniors have a chance to compete as badminton can be such a rewarding sport.”
Dave added: “Sporting activity in any form helps keep you fit and healthy and we encourage everyone to enjoy their sport regardless of ability.”
For more information on badminton, indoor sports and Thornaby Pavilion, please contact (01642) 760 971. For more information on the junior badminton league, please contact Roger Cook on (01642) 656227.