Players from across the country came to Suffolk last week for the first ever Special Olympics Badminton Tournament – with some securing places in the national finals in Sheffield this August.

Ipswich Star: Suffolk Special Olympics badminton tournament at One in Ipswich. Picture: ASHLEY PICKERINGSuffolk Special Olympics badminton tournament at One in Ipswich. Picture: ASHLEY PICKERING

The doubles competition was held in Ipswich by Special Olympics Suffolk, supported by ActivIpswich and Suffolk County Council, where players from as far afield as Bournemouth took part.

Mike McCarthy from ActivLives and Special Olympics Suffolk said: “This tournament provided a great opportunity for our badminton players in Suffolk to compete with and against Special Olympians from other clubs across the country.

“We have had such positive feedback from the players, coaches and volunteers at the event.”

Suffolk stars Kathy Brill and Cameron Sherman were among those to secure a place in the national finals, the first from Suffolk this year after the local branch was established in 2014.

Ipswich Star: Suffolk Special Olympics badminton tournament at One in Ipswich. Picture: ASHLEY PICKERINGSuffolk Special Olympics badminton tournament at One in Ipswich. Picture: ASHLEY PICKERING

Ipswich Star: Suffolk Special Olympics badminton tournament at One in Ipswich. Picture: ASHLEY PICKERINGSuffolk Special Olympics badminton tournament at One in Ipswich. Picture: ASHLEY PICKERING