The iconic YONEX All England Open Badminton Championships 2026 hosted a milestone for inclusive badminton: the Special Olympics and the World Badminton Federation (BWF) celebrated their renewal Memorandum of understanding (MOU) and launched a new one Strategic Plan 2026 – 2031and marks an exciting new chapter for inclusive badminton.
On Saturday, March 7, Jon-Paul St. Germain, vice president of Sports Development at Special Olympics, and Nora Perry, BWF council member and chair of the Development & Sport for All Committee, formally signed the renewed agreement during a small ceremony between the semifinals. The signing was co-sponsored by Clint Gardner and Isla Scott, two badminton players representing Special Olympics Great Britain. The signing marks an ongoing commitment to growing badminton as a leading sport for inclusion, strengthening pathways for athletes with intellectual and developmental disabilities and expanding Unified Sport opportunities globally.
Photo by Yohan Nonotte
“Today is more than a ceremonial occasion. It is a reaffirmation of shared values and a shared belief: that sport has the power to unite, empower and transform lives. Both BWF and Special Olympics International are guided by the principle that sport should be accessible to all. We believe in dignity, respect, courage, joy and friendship,” said Nora Perry.
Jon-Paul St. Germain shared: “The new Memorandum of Understanding strengthens our partnership, and the Joint Development Strategy 2026 – 2031 is our next roadmap for action. It outlines how we will deepen our cooperation at global, regional and national levels. How we will support member federations and the Special Olympic Programs to work hand-in-hand. And how we will ensure that quality, sustainability and inclusion remain at the heart of everything we build.”
Dee Weiner and James Wyatt, two badminton fanatics competing for Special Olympics Great Britain, also shared why badminton was such an important part of their stories and the impact it had on their lives.
“I didn’t play sports until I was 14 because of my development and coordination problems. Then I started playing badminton with my sister. Badminton has improved my coordination, concentration and self-confidence. I now love sports. It all helped me to keep a part-time paid job at a special school. I have been working there for 11 years. Badminton is a very big part of my life and it makes me stronger and more confident. I struggle to maintain friendships, but I have made many very special ones. friends through badminton,” Dee said.
Photo by Yohan Nonotte
The festivities kicked off the day before, with James, Clint, Dee and Isla taking part in Unified demonstration matches alongside internationally renowned badminton stars Polina Buhrova from Ukraine and Sim Yu-Jin from Korea. These competitions showcased the skill, teamwork and spirit of Unified Sport, where athletes with and without intellectual and developmental disabilities compete together as teammates.
“It was an amazing experience to share the court with two professionals. It is a great honor that Special Olympics has given us this experience to be able to share this unified stage with these amazing athletes. I have been playing badminton for over a decade, so it has been an amazing journey to come this far and to have this opportunity as a unique opportunity that many people only dream about,” James said of his experience on the court.
Clint Gardner, also known as “Pixie Gardner” on the field, said this about what the big stage felt like: “The lights are dazzling when you look directly at it, but it’s awesome.”
When asked if he could still connect with a few overhead collisions, Clint added, “Oh yeah, as soon as the shuttle drops a little bit, you can see it and you’re like, oh yeah, let’s go.”
Isla Scott, who came over from Scotland for the occasion, has been playing badminton for two years and has started coaching. She said it was great to share the court with Polina, Sim Yu-Jin and her fellow badminton players from the Special Olympics.
The following day, each player also had the opportunity to take part in a Trophy Walk On for the semi-final sessions, taking to one of the most prestigious badminton stages, a memorable experience that spotlighted their achievements in badminton.
Photo by Leanne Lee
The renewed MOU strengthens the existing strong partnership between Special Olympics International and BWF and establishes shared principles for collaboration, sharing resources and promoting inclusive badminton worldwide. Guided by the BWF-SOI Global Badminton Development Strategy 2026 – 2031, the new plan aims to expand access to training and competition, strengthen coaching and official programs and create pathways for athletes to train and compete from local to international levels. Together, the organizations are committed to promoting high-quality, inclusive opportunities that celebrate skills, teamwork and the joy of sport.
The plan builds on the successes of badminton programming between Special Olympics and BWF from 2020 – 2024, including growth in participation, new programs, certified coaches and partnerships worldwide. Over the next five years, the partnership will focus on increasing athlete participation, expanding unified competitions, strengthening national and regional partnerships and increasing inclusion through global events.
Voices of the community
Informed by athletes, coaches, officials and partners around the world, the plan reflects the transformative power of badminton:
- “Being part of the Special Olympics Badminton family has given me a great opportunity to meet great people. It has also given me the support to promote Special Olympics badminton in my community. It has helped me develop as a person and I have grown in confidence and self-awareness.” – Jonathan Deering, Special Olympics Ireland badminton player
- “Being part of the global Special Olympics badminton community means you are part of something bigger than a sport. It is an environment where everyone is valued and welcomed and brings people together in inspiring ways.” – Julie Carrel, Secretary General Badminton Oceania
- “Badminton is a sport for everyone, which transcends barriers, celebrates skill and opens doors to inclusivity, health and joy.” – Khunying Patama Leeswadtrakul, BWF Chairman
- “Our partnership shows that sport is not simply a game, but a global force for dignity, unity and opportunity.” -Dr. Timothy Shriver, president of the Special Olympics
The renewed partnership and Strategic Plan 2026 – 2031 mark an exciting new chapter for inclusive badminton, ensuring athletes of all levels have access to meaningful, high-quality and globally connected opportunities to compete, grow and prosper.
#chapter #inclusive #badminton #Special #Olympics #BWF #strengthen #partnership