BWF and Special Olympics International celebrated the renewal of their Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) and launched a new 2026–2031 Strategic Plan at the YONEX All England Open 2026 last week, marking an exciting new chapter for inclusive badminton.
On Saturday 7 March, Nora Perry, BWF Council Member and Chair of the Development & Sport for All Committee, and Jon-Paul St. Germain, Vice President of Sport Development at Special Olympics, formally signed the renewed agreement in a small ceremony. 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,” said Perry.
St. Germain shared the same sentiment. “This new MoU reinforces our partnership and the 2026–2031 Strategic Plan 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 Associations and Special Olympics programmes to work hand in hand. And how we will ensure that quality, sustainability and inclusion remain at the centre of everything we build.”
BWF and Special Olympics penned the official MoU.
James Wyatt and Dee Weiner share their stories at the signing ceremony.
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 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 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 Weiner.
The celebrations began on Friday, 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 10 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 Wyatt.
Gardner going in for the smash.
Handshakes all around.
Buhrova and Isla Scott on court.
The following day, each player also had the opportunity to participate in the HSBC BWF World Tour trophy walk-on ceremonies for each session, stepping onto one of badminton’s most prestigious stages.
The renewed MOU reinforces the existing strong partnership between BWF and Special Olympics, 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 programmes, and create pathways for athletes to train and compete from local to international levels. Together, the organisations are committed to fostering high quality, inclusive opportunities that celebrate skill, teamwork, and the joy of sport.
The plan builds on previous successes, which included growth in participation, new programmes, 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.
Dr. Timothy Shriver, Special Olympics Chairman, said: “Our partnership demonstrates that sport is not simply a game but a global force for dignity, unity and opportunity.”
BWF President Khunying Patama Leeswadtrakul added: “Badminton is a sport for all, transcending barriers, celebrating ability and opening doors to inclusion, health and joy.”
View the BWF-SOI Global Badminton Development Strategy 2026-2031.
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