Badminton Star takes to the floor
COMMONWEALTH Games gold medallist Donna Kellogg took part in a badminton master class this Thursday, 27th October at Thornaby Pavilion Leisure Centre.
The aim was to provide top quality coaching while raising the profile of the sport and the community badminton network in the area.
The 32-year-old badminton player has been playing for over twenty years with a great career which has seen her pick up European and international honours. Donna has competed at two Olympics, reached a fourth place ranking in Women’s' Doubles and twice won the European Women's Doubles Gold medal, firstly in 2000 with Jo Goode and then six years later with Gail Emms. She also won the European Championships mixed doubles with Anthony Clark in 2008.
Donna has stepped in to coach the England team and has also spent time visiting schools to tell children about her experiences in the sport so is a great inspiration to children thinking of getting involved in or wanting to improve in the sport.
Members of the public came along and watched the event, with the Performance Squad playing on their home turf from 10am to 12pm, and then local school children taking part from 12pm to 1pm.
David Seller, Thornaby Pavilion Manager said “ We are extremely looking forward to the visit from Donna Kellogg as she is such an influential figure for the young badminton players. With her coaching expertise the Performance Squad especially will be able to raise their game. The addition of the fantastic new flooring here at Thornaby Pavilion also makes it an ideal environment to play badminton.”
Thornaby Pavilion Leisure Centre has a growing reputation as a centre for badminton excellence and has recently installed a specialist floor called Taraflex to keep its facilities first class. The venue is home to Badminton England’s Performance Squad and one of only 8 operating across the UK. The Performance Centre provides the training and support facilities necessary to develop the skills of the region’s best junior players, and creates a clear pathway for youngsters interested in the sport.
For further information about Badminton at Thornaby Pavilion please contact reception on 01642 760971