PARTNERSHIP AGREEMENT BETWEEN BADMINTON EUROPE AND SPECIAL OLYMPICS MEANS MORE OPPORTUNITIES FOR BADMINTON PLAYERS WITH INTELLECTUAL DISABILITIES

February 13th, 2015 – Leuven, BELGIUM:  An important partnership  agreement has been signed between the Badminton Europe Confederation (BEC) and Special Olympics, an organization that transforms the lives of people with intellectual disabilities through sport. Badminton Europe which operates under the flag of the Badminton World Federation is the governing body for badminton in Europe comprising of 52 member associations.

“This partnership is one which we are very excited about and committed to,” said Badminton Europe President, Gregory Verpoorten. “Our aim is to help provide more opportunities in the sport of badminton for people with intellectual disabilities across Europe. We will provide all the support necessary and our expertise to Special Olympics so together we can develop the wonderful sport of badminton.”

Regional President of Special Olympics Europe Eurasia Mary Davis said: “It is an honour for us at Special Olympics to partner with Badminton Europe.  Through this relationship our two organizations will provide more opportunities for children and adults with intellectual disabilities to play the fantastic sport of badminton.  Badminton has significantly grown in popularity among Special Olympics athletes and we are delighted to have the backing and friendship of Badminton Europe to grow this thrilling sport even further,” concluded Mary Davis.