Whilst viewers around the world are engrossed in the winter Olympics, a sporting event of a different kind took place this weekend in Exeter.
A total of 48 badminton players representing nine different nationalities took part in a unique two-day tournament organised by Inclusive Exeter.
The tournament was the second of its kind with the first taking place in 2024.
Exeter City Councillor Duncan Wood, Lead Councillor for Leisure and Healthy Living was on hand to open the event and to watch some of the tense matches.
He said: ‘Bearing witness to some incredibly talented badminton players has been a great way to start my weekend. I’ve really enjoyed being here and supporting this event, which will no doubt inspire many people to pick up their badminton racket.’
Kate Hannan of Inclusive Exeter said the event was designed to bring communities from across the city together through sport.
She said: ‘This two-day event has been a wonderful celebration of the rich multicultural diversity within Exeter’s communities. Many of the participants are still relatively new to badminton, so it has been incredibly inspiring to see their confidence and skills develop over the course of the tournament.
‘Inclusive Exeter is hugely grateful to its supporters, including Exeter City Council’s Live and Move team and the Devon Bengali Association, whose backing has made this event possible. We are already looking forward to the next one.’
Find out more about Inclusive Exeter at inclusiveexeter.org.uk.
