During the 50th Annual Delegates’ Meeting this Saturday, Badminton Europe (BEC) could proudly announce Huelva, Spain, as the hosting city for their most prestigious event.
The 2018 European Championships will be organized in Huelva, Spain, from 23 April to 29 April 2018. That was the decision that the BEC Board could present for their delegates at the Annual Delegates’ Meeting during the 2017 BEC Congress.
David Cabello, President of Spanish Badminton Association (FESBA), was present for the announcement at Orea Hotel Pyramida in Prague, Czech Republic, and took to the rostrum to thank the board for their decision:
"Badminton Spain is very proud to host the most important continental event in Huelva. We have engaged in this challenge together with Badminton Europe, with the sound background of our vast experience in the organisation of top Badminton events in Spain, and with a view to holding a brilliant edition of the European Championships. We will strive to use the event to spread the practice of our sport, not only in Spain but also throughout our continent. Spaniards, Spain, Andalusia and Huelva will be the best hosts for the European Badminton family. A great event, in a great place, for an exciting sport."
BEC President Gregory Verpoorten and FESBA President David Cabello
after the announcement in Prague, Czech Republic.
FESBA has achieved great results as hosts for major badminton events in the past. The city of Madrid hosted the world championships in 2006, and Sevilla in 2001, and most recently IBERDROLA Junior World Championships was organized in Bilbao, last year.
For Spanish badminton, it is a new impetus in its growth and notoriety within the Spanish society. For Badminton Europe, this event opens the door to the Latin audience where badminton is increasing in popularity.
The Spanish super star, Carolina Marin, earns part of the credit for this popularity, and the Olympic gold winner and double world champion, who grew up in Huelva, is very excited to be playing in front of her home crowd:
The 2018 European Championships presents Marin with the opportunity to win an European title in an arena that bears her own name, as the Palace of Sports arena took a change of name in December 2016.
It will be the biggest continental event of our sport in 2018, and we look forward to welcome you in Huelva from 23 April to 29 April 2018.