Home

MEDIA STATEMENT

BADMINTON SOUTH AFRICA AND SPECIAL OLYMPICS SOUTH AFRICA ANNOUNCE PARTNERSHIP

Badminton South Africa has successfully clinched a partnership with their counterparts at Special Olympics South Africa.

Like the Badminton World Federation did with its international counterpart in signing a Memorandum of Understanding with International Special Olympics, Badminton SA felt this was something which can also be translated at a local level.

The partnership between the country’s sports bodies means that they will support each other in making sure both these sporting bodies reach great heights.

"We are incredibly excited about this partnership. It speaks to the global partnership between Badminton World Federation and Special Olympics International," said Special Olympics South Africa CEO, Ancilla Smith.

Smith said the fact that Badminton was the second biggest sport after soccer will augur well for them in his partnership.

"People living with an intellectual disability in South Africa are seldom given the opportunity to try new sports. The expert support we are receiving from Badminton SA and the WBF means that this is a sport that we can confidently offer to our athletes and we are sure that this will see the growth of the sport in South Africa.”

"We believe it will be beneficial for both parties."

Badminton South Africa President Glen Brothers said “This partnership is an important step towards making badminton accessible to all, a key strategic focus for Badminton South Africa, Badminton Confederation of Africa and Badminton World Federation. We are excited to be working with Special Olympics.”

Badminton SA will also leverage on this relationship by implementing its training and education within the Special Olympics South Africa workforce on a regional basis, utilising the BWF grassroots development programme Shuttle Time.

Gauteng, Western Cape, Kwa-Zulu Natal and Eastern Province will be first four provinces to see the roll out of this initiative.

The Special Olympics will also take part at the badminton event hosted at prestigious annual Arnold Africa Classic event later this year.

For more information on getting involved contact Badminton South Africa on 012663 3292 or email badmintonsa@mweb.co.za.

You can also contact Special Olympics South Africa on 011 706 3323 or email ancilla@specialolympics.org.za

MEDIA STATEMENT

THE 2020 ARNOLD CLASSIC IS POSTPONED DUE TO COVID-19

Due to the global outbreak of CoVid-19, the annual Arnold Classic Sports Festival 2020 has been postponed.

“Dear Sport, event organisers, sponsors and exhibitors; after extensive meetings with authorities, relating to the President (Cyril
Ramaphosa) speech and discussions with Arnold and the global partners, the safety of participants and spectators are a priority thus we do not have a choice but to postpone ACA till later in the year,” said Executive Director of Arnold Classic Africa, Wayne Price.

“We will announce a new date in this week and will be in contact with you to manage this process. Please take care and look after yourself. In sport we stand together,” said Director of Arnold Classic Africa, Michelle Price

This will affects Badminton South Africa’s plans to have its athletes compete at the event and launch its new offerings and partnerships however BSA equally has strong considerations for the health, safety and wellbeing of all athletes, fans and greater community in general.,” said President Glen Brothers.

“We hope, a speedy solution can be found for this outbreak so sport in general can continue and we look forward to working with the Arnold Classic Team later this year.”

Issued by Badminton South Africa: 

Contact number: 012 663 3292 

Email: badmintonsa@mweb.co.za