Spain has hosted five BWF Para-Badminton International tournaments (2011, 2012, 2013, 2015 and 2017) and a European Para-Badminton Championships in 2014.

As the 23rd featured Member Association of BEC ‘Meet Our Members’, Badminton Europe spoke to Amparo Rayó, Head of Organizers for the 2017 BWF Spanish Para-Badminton International about the successfully organized tournament in March.

The 2017 BWF Spanish Para-Badminton International (7th-12th March) welcomed teams from 26 countries with a total of 250 people where 161 of them are competing para-badminton players. Besides the usual tournament, Amparo and her team also organized free tour in Alcudia for all the participants.

BWF Spanish Para-Badminton International Opening Ceremony

A social gathering on Saturday evening was also included in the tournament programme. Everyone was invited for dinner where the respective awards were given to the participants:

• ‘Best Fairplay Player’ -  Male and Female
• ‘Best Fairplay Coach  - Male and Female
• ‘Best Umpire’ - Male and Female

Players, volunteers (in green) and umpire (extreme right) at the BWF Spanish Para-Badminton International

´We held the tournament in Alcudia two years ago and this year nearly double the number of competitors came. We had teams coming from as far away as Malaysia, Hong Kong-China, Russia, Guatemala and Canada. We also have players from all over Europe, in particular the United Kingdom.’ added Amparo.

Feedbacks from participants

Katrin Seibert, Germany national player (SL4)

Kaity Jessie Margaret Hall, Scotland national coach

The tournament ended with prize presentation to all winners by BWF Vice President, Paul Kurzo and representatives from the federation.

To view the Para-Badminton webpage, click here.

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Photos by Amparo Rayo and team.