A significant milestone in European Para badminton is happening this week. Meet Guillaume Gailly, an expert in Para badminton who will be sharing his knowledge this weekend at the 2020 BEC Para Badminton Event.
The excitement for the Olympics and Paralympics is simmering up again as 2021 closes ever nearer. With Para badminton making its inaugural participation at the Tokyo Paralympics next year, there will be substantial growth in the sport, not only in Europe but across the globe.
Guillaume Gailly is on the front line of this movement and will be delivering a course at the 2020 BEC Para Badminton Event, happening 25-27 September, in Caldas da Rainha, Portugal, with participants from across Europe.
Guillaume Gailly has been a Professional Badminton Trainer since 2000. Leading up to this role, he built up five years’ experience through the French Badminton Federation as Volunteer Trainer, Competitions Organiser and President. Speaking about his expectations from the event, he says.
- I expect a lot of feedback from the coaches attending this event. We already know some of them, who coach regularly during international tournaments, so they have the experience to share.
We need more coaches
A Para badminton player himself since January 2017, due to an amputation of his left foot, Gailly is ranked number five in men’s double (SL3-SL4) and was runner-up at 2019 Para Badminton European Championships. He, therefore, has a unique insight into both sides of the game and a vision of how the future will look like for Para badminton with the Paralympics legacy. Commenting on this, he states.
- I also wish for the general development of Para badminton and I hope we can have more Para players in the near future. To achieve this, we need more coaches.
France, with their national team working towards Paris 2024, has shown how moving together in the right direction can produce results. Perhaps utilising this template for the growth of Para badminton will also lead to success. Guillaume Gailly is more than happy to spread his passion and knowledge to make further strides in the sport he loves, as he ends by saying.
-I find my motivation whenever there is a meaningful purpose in what I do. And in Para badminton, even more than everywhere else, sharing experiences is the best way to help people develop the sport.
Follow our website and social media channels for updates throughout the event.