BWF Signs MOU with Special Olympics

BWF and Special Olympic signed an MOU in Paris yesterday on the side lines of the Yonex French Open Superseries. Chief of Sports for Special Olympics International, Lee Todd, joined BWF President Poul-Erik Høyer in signing the MOU which aims to support badminton coaches of people with an intellectual disability.

Founded in 1968, Special Olympics is the world’s largest sports organization for children and adults with intellectual disabilities, providing year-round training and competitions to more than 4.5 million athletes in 170 countries.

The signing of the MOU follows on-going discussions with Special Olympics and BWF’s representation at the Special Olympics World Games 2015 in Los Angeles in July where badminton was one of the sports.

Badminton has been one of the sports at the Special Olympics since 1995 and the signing of the MOU is an important milestone towards a close cooperation between the two organisations. BWF will support coach training and education within the Special Olympics workforce on a regional basis, utilising the BWF grassroots development programme, Shuttle Time.

Following a signing ceremony and an on-court demonstration by Special Olympics International, President Poul-Erik Høyer stressed BWF’s responsibility to reach out to all sectors of badminton’s global community and offer assistance wherever and however possible.

BWF President Poul-Erik Høyer (left) and Chief of Sports for Special Olympics International, Lee Todd (right), celebrate the new partnership with Special Olympic badminton athletes, Guillaume Roy (second left) and Yoann Devidts.

Read more ….  link to the news article – BWF Fan’s site

About Special Olympics

“Special Olympics transforms lives through the joy of sport, every day, everywhere. We are the world’s largest sports organization for people with intellectual disabilities: with more than 4.5 million athletes in 170 countries — and millions more volunteers and supporters. We are also a global social movement.”

“Through the power of sports, people with intellectual disabilities discover new strengths and abilities, skills and success. Our athletes find joy, confidence and fulfilment — on the playing field and in life. They also inspire people in their communities and elsewhere to open their hearts to a wider world of human talents and potential. Here’s a slideshow showing the full spectrum of our activities.”

Read more ….  Special Olympic Official Website