The iconic YONEX All England Open Badminton Championships 2026 played host to a landmark moment for inclusive badminton as Special Olympics and the Badminton World Federation (BWF) celebrated the renewal of their Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) and launched a new 2026 – 2031 Strategic Plan, marking an exciting new chapter for inclusive badminton.
On Saturday 7 March, Jon-Paul St. Germain, Vice President of Sport Development at Special Olympics, and Nora Perry, BWF Council Member and Chair of the Development & Sport for All Committee, formally signed the renewed agreement in a small ceremony between semi-final matches. The signing was co-emceed by Clint Gardner and Isla Scott, two badminton players representing Special Olympics Great Britain. The signing marks a continued commitment to grow badminton as a leading sport for inclusion, strengthening pathways for athletes with intellectual and developmental disabilities, and expanding Unified Sport opportunities worldwide.
“Today is more than a ceremonial occasion. It is a reaffirmation of shared values and a shared belief: that sport has the power to unite, to empower, and to transform lives. Both BWF and Special Olympics International are guided by the principle that sport must be accessible to all. We believe in dignity, respect, courage, joy and friendship,” said Nora Perry.
Jon-Paul St. Germain shared, “The new Memorandum of Understanding reinforces our partnership, and the 2026 – 2031 Joint Development Strategy is our next roadmap for action. It outlines how we will deepen our collaboration at global, regional, and national levels. How we will support Member Federations and Special Olympics Programs to work hand in hand. And how we will ensure that quality, sustainability, and inclusion remain at the centre of everything we build.”
Dee Weiner and James Wyatt, two badminton fanatics who compete for Special Olympics Great Britain, also shared why badminton was such an important part of their stories’ and the impact it had on their lives.
“I didn’t do any sports until I was 14 because of my development and my coordination issues. It was then I started playing badminton with my sister. Badminton has improved my coordination, concentration and confidence. I now love sports. It’s all helped me to hold down a part time paid job in a Special needs school. I’ve been working there 11 years. Badminton is a really big part of my life and it’s making me stronger and more confident. I struggle keeping friendships but I have made lots of really special friends through badminton,”shared Dee.
The celebrations began the day prior, with James, Clint, Dee, and Isla, participating in Unified demonstration matches alongside internationally renowned badminton stars Polina Buhrova of Ukraine and Sim Yu-Jin of Korea. These matches showcased the skill, teamwork, and spirit of Unified Sport, where athletes with and without intellectual and developmental disabilities compete together as teammates.
“It was an amazing experience to share the court with two professionals. It’s a great honour that Special Olympics have given us this experience to be able to share this unified stage with these amazing athletes. I’ve been playing badminton for over ten years, so it’s been an amazing journey to get this far and to be given this opportunity as a once in a lifetime opportunity that many people only dream of doing,” said James about his experience on the court.
Clint Gardner, also known as “Pixie Gardner” on court,had this to add about how the big stage felt, “The lights are dazzling when you’re looking directly at them, but it’s awesome.”
When asked if he was still able to connect with some overhead smashes, Clint added “Oh yes, once the shuttle drops a bit then you can see it and you’re like oh yeah, let’s go.”
Isla Scott, who traveled in from Scotland for the occasion, has been playing badminton for two years and has taken up coaching, and shared that it was amazing to be able to share the court alongside Polina, Sim Yu-Jin, and her fellow Special Olympics badminton players.
The following day, each player also had the opportunity to participate in a Trophy Walk On for the semi-final sessions, stepping onto one of badminton’s most prestigious stages, a memorable experience highlighting their achievements in badminton.
The renewed MOU reinforces the existing strong partnership between Special Olympics International and BWF, setting shared principles for collaboration, resource-sharing, and the promotion of inclusive badminton globally. Guided by the BWF–SOI Global Badminton Development Strategy 2026 – 2031, the new plan aims to expand access to training and competition, strengthen coaching and official’s programs, and create pathways for athletes to train and compete from local to international levels. Together, the organizations are committed to fostering high-quality, inclusive opportunities that celebrate skill, teamwork, and the joy of sport.
The plan builds on the successes of badminton programming between Special Olympics and BWF from 2020 – 2024, which included growth in participation, new programs, certified coaches, and partnerships worldwide. Over the next five years, the partnership will focus on increasing athlete participation, expanding Unified competitions, strengthening national and regional partnerships, and amplifying inclusion through global events.
Voices of the Community
The plan is informed by athletes, coaches, officials, and partners around the world, reflecting the transformative power of badminton:
- “Being part of the Special Olympics Badminton family has given me a wonderful opportunity to meet amazing people. It has also given me the support to promote Special Olympics badminton in my community. It has helped me develop as a person, and I have grown in confidence and self-awareness.” - Jonathan Deering, Special Olympics Ireland Badminton Player
- “Being part of the global Special Olympics badminton community means belonging to something bigger than a sport. It is an environment where every person is valued and welcomed bringing people together in inspiring ways.” - Julie Carrel, Secretary General Badminton Oceania
- “Badminton is a sport for all, transcending barriers, celebrating ability, and opening doors to inclusion, health, and joy.” - Khunying Patama Leeswadtrakul, BWF President
- “Our partnership demonstrates that sport is not simply a game, but a global force for dignity, unity, and opportunity.” - Dr. Timothy Shriver, Special Olympics Chairman
The renewed partnership and 2026 – 2031 Strategic Plan mark an exciting new chapter for inclusive badminton, ensuring athletes of all abilities have access to meaningful, high-quality, and globally connected opportunities to compete, grow, and thrive.
