Badminton world champions latest Olympians to back Medway
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Badminton world champions Nathan Robertson and Gail Emms met Medway’s top junior and senior players when they visited Medway Badminton Association in Castlemaine Avenue, Gillingham on Sunday, April 22. The event was organised as part of the Medway leg of a national roadshow organised by badminton equipment manufacturer Carlton. Nathan and Gail are the reigning world badminton mixed double champions. They also hold the Commonwealth title and won Olympic silver at the 2004 Athens games. |
Medway Badminton Association has a purpose-built badminton centre which is one of Medway's leading sporting facilities. It forms part of Medway's submission to host training camps for overseas countries in the run-up to the 2012 Games.
Nathan and Gail are the latest athletes to get behind Medway’s sporting aspirations. Sir Steve Redgrave, Steve Cram, Danny Crates and Steve Backley were special guests at day-long series of events on 23 January, staged to underline Medway’s commitment to the games. The date marked 2012 days until the opening ceremony for the London Olympics on 27 July 2012.
Portfolio Holder for Community Services, Cllr Howard Doe, said: “I am delighted to welcome Nathan and Gail to Medway. The success they have enjoyed has proved an inspiration, particularly to Medway's talented young badminton players.
“Their visit is deserved recognition for all the hard work put in by Medway Badminton Association in developing the sport locally and will be a welcome boost as we look towards 2012."
Hilary Athawes from Medway Badminton Association works closely with the council’s Sports Development Team to encourage pupils to take up the sport. They aim to set up leagues with competitions and tournaments for primary and secondary schools in Medway.