Photography by Lian Li
The 2026 YONEX All England Open Badminton Championships hosted a historic moment in overall badminton as the Special Olympics and Badminton World Federation (BWF) celebrated the renewal Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) and launched a new one Strategic plan 2026-2031marking an exciting new chapter for inclusivity Badminton.
Photography by Johan Nonot
On Saturday, March 7, Jean-Paul Saint-Germain, Vice President of Sports Development for Special Olympics, and Nora Berry, FIFA Council Member and Chair of the Development and Sports for All Committee, officially signed the renewed agreement in a small ceremony between the semi-final matches. The signing was attended by Clint Gardner and Isla Scott, two badminton players representing Special Olympics Great Britain. The signing represents an ongoing commitment to growing badminton as a leading sport for inclusion, enhancing pathways for athletes with intellectual and developmental disabilities, and expanding unified sport opportunities around the world.
Photography by Johan Nonot
Nora Perry said: “Today is more than just a celebratory occasion. It is a reaffirmation of shared values and a shared belief: that sport has the power to unite, empower and transform lives. Both FIFA and Special Olympics International are guided by the principle that sport should be accessible to all. We believe in dignity, respect, courage, joy and friendship.”
“The new Memorandum of Understanding strengthens our partnership, and the Joint Development Strategy 2026-2031 is the next roadmap for action,” said Jean-Paul Saint-Germain. “It sets out how we will deepen our cooperation at the global, regional and national levels. How we will support member federations and Special Olympics programs to work side by side. And how we will ensure that quality, sustainability and inclusion remain at the heart of everything we build.”
De Winer and James White, two badminton enthusiasts competing in Special Olympics Great Britain, also shared why badminton has been an important part of their stories and the impact it has had on their lives.
“I didn’t play any sport until I was 14 due to my development and coordination problems. That’s when I started playing badminton with my sister. Badminton has improved my coordination, concentration and confidence. I now love sport. It’s all helped me hold down a part-time paid job at a special needs school. I’ve worked there for 11 years. Badminton is a really big part of my life and it makes me stronger and more confident. I have a hard time maintaining friendships but I’ve made a lot of things.” “Friends.” Really special through badminton,” Dee shared.
Photography by Johan Nonot
The festivities began the day before, with James, Clint, Dee and Isla taking part in unified demonstration matches alongside world-famous badminton stars Polina Borova of Ukraine and Sim Yeo Jin of Korea. These matches demonstrated skill, teamwork and unified sportsmanship, as athletes with and without intellectual and developmental disabilities compete together as teammates.
“It was an amazing experience to share the court with two professionals,” James said of his on-court experience. “It’s a great honor that Special Olympics has 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 have this opportunity as a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that a lot of people only dream of.”
Clint Gardner, also known as “Pixy Gardner” on the court, added of the big stage feel, “The lights are dazzling when you look right at them, but it’s cool.”
When asked if he was still able to communicate some of the overhead collisions, Clint added, “Oh yeah, once the shuttle goes down a little bit, you can see it and say to yourself oh yeah, let’s go.”
Isla Scott, who flew in from Scotland for the occasion, has been playing badminton for two years and took up coaching, and said it was amazing to be able to share the court alongside Polina Sim Yeo-jin and her fellow Special Olympics badminton players.
The next day, each player also had the opportunity to participate in the semi-finals cup round, entering one of badminton’s most prestigious stages, an unforgettable experience that highlights their badminton achievements.
Photography by Lian Li
The renewed MoU reinforces the strong partnership that exists between Special Olympics International and BWF, and establishes common principles for collaboration, resource sharing and the promotion of inclusive badminton globally. Guided by the BWF-SOI World Badminton Development Strategy 2026-2031, the new plan aims to expand access to training and competition, strengthen coaching and formal programs, and create pathways for athletes to train and compete from domestic to international levels. Together, the two organizations are committed to promoting inclusive, high-quality opportunities that celebrate skill, teamwork and the joy of sport.
The plan builds on the successes of the Special Olympics and Badminton Federation badminton programs from 2020 to 2024, which included growth in participation, new programs, certified coaches and partnerships around the world. Over the next five years, the partnership will focus on increasing athlete participation, expanding unified competitions, strengthening national and regional partnerships, and expanding inclusion through global events.
Community voices
The plan is being prepared 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 great opportunity to meet great people. It has also given me the support to promote Special Olympics Badminton in my community. It has helped me grow as a person, and my confidence and self-awareness have increased.” – Jonathan Dearing, Irish Special Olympics badminton player
- “Being part of the Special Olympics global badminton community means belonging to something bigger than just a sport. It is an environment where every person is valued and welcomed, and one that brings people together in inspiring ways.” – Julie Carrel, Secretary General of Badminton Oceania
- “Badminton is a sport for everyone, it transcends barriers, celebrates ability, and opens doors to inclusion, health and joy.” -Khunying Batama Lesoadtrakul, President of BWF
- “Our partnership proves that sport is not just a game, but a global force for dignity, unity and opportunity.” – Dr. Timothy Shriver, President of Special Olympics
The renewed partnership and Strategic Plan 2026-2031 represents an exciting new chapter for the inclusive sport of badminton, ensuring that athletes of all abilities have meaningful, high-quality and globally connected opportunities to compete, grow and thrive.
 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.){kind=link}