Para-Badminton 2020 Vision

London 2012 is underway and BWF has a vision to have Para-Badminton as part of the 2020 Paralympic Games.

Day 1 of the London 2012 Paralympic Games is over with the more than 4000 athletes from 165 nations resting ready to get on the track, in the pool or on the mat for Day 2 of competition.
From the spectacular Opening Ceremony last night to the intense competition on Day 1 these Games are following the same path as the Olympic Games a few weeks back – full arenas with passionate UK sports fans eager to see world class performances in whatever sport they can get a ticket for. Like the Olympic Games, London and the UK have embraced these Games.
It’s clear that Badminton must be a part of future Paralympic celebrations of sport. Para-Badminton would be a positive addition to the sports programme for the 2020 edition of the Paralympic Games. Badminton was not included in the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games. In its 2009 / 2010 bid for inclusion in Rio 2016, the BWF learned that it needed to do more for Para-Badminton and to position the sport well for inclusion.
Since 2010, the BWF has made major steps forward, including:
1. becoming an IPC Recognised International Organisation
2. integrating Para-Badminton into the governance and management structure
3. reviewing the Para-Badminton rules and implementing new Classification Regulations
4. increasing funding for development and increasing activities to develop Para-Badminton
5. integrating Para-Badminton into the BWF Strategic Plan 2012  -2016
These are all positive steps to prepare the sport from inclusion in 2020.
The BWF recently launched player profiles on a Para-Badminton section on WorldBadminton.TV with a series of inspirational short stories from some of our players on the Para-Badminton circuit.
The London 2012 Olympic Games continues for 11 days of competition with the Closing Ceremony on Sunday 9 September 2012 (link to official site). BWF is represented in London and is making the voice for Para-Badminton hear by those decisions makers for 2020.