Following on from the success of last year's event, the Badminton Union of Ireland are holding National Badminton Week 2005 from October 15 - 23.
This initiative, which was started by the Badminton Union of Ireland last year, has now also been picked up by the Badminton associations in England, Scotland and Wales, making this event a four nations international festival.
During this time, all badminton clubs will be opening their doors for free to allow anyone interested in having a go to come and play.
Badminton is a sport for everyone regardless of age, ability or fitness level. So pick up a racquet, get in touch with your local badminton club and give it a go!
If you are unsure where your nearest club is, contact the BUI office on 01-8393028.
There are also going to be numerous events run in conjunction with this week.
An updated summary of events that have been organised so far is as follows:
Wednesday October 19:
* All Wednesday clubs open doors for come and try sessions - all areas.
* Irish players - Scott Evans, Alex Sim, Brian Smyth - competing in the Danish Open Event – Denmark.
* Primary Schools coaching session, Banbridge Leisure Centre, 10.00am - 3.00pm (schools participating in this event will also receive a six week follow-up block of coaching on First Badminton skills initiative).
* Leslie Dewart, badminton development officer and international player, coaching session from 6.30-9.30pm with Seapatrick badminton club in Banbridge.
Thursday October 20:
* All Thursday clubs open doors for come and try sessions - all areas.
* Leinster Mixed Schools Competition - Terenure Badminton Centre, Dublin.
* Leinster Intercounty AGM and Grading Meeting for season - Terenure Badminton Centre, Dublin.
* Badminton Fun Day for primary schools, 10.00am – 2.00pm, Scoil Muire gan Smal Sportshall, Roscommon. Being run in conjunction with Roscommon Sports Partnership.
Friday October 21:
* All Friday clubs open doors for come and try sessions - all areas.
* Inaugral Longford Schools Badminton Tournament - Community Centre, Keenagh, County Longford 10.00am – 3.00pm. Open to all 2nd level schools in County Longford.
Saturday October 22:
* All Saturday clubs open doors for come and try sessions - all areas.
* Leinster Intercounty team v Northumberland - Terenure Badminton Centre, Dublin.
* Ulster Minor and U-13 Championships - Lisburn Racquets Centre.
* Introduction to Coaching Course – Kilkenny.
* Level 1 coaching course - Baldoyle Badminton Centre, Dublin.
* Introduction to Coaching course - Killarney, County Kerry.
Sunday October 23:
* All Sunday clubs open doors for come and try sessions - all areas.
* Leinster Intercounty Team v Northumberland - Baldoyle Badminton Centre, Dublin.
* Ulster Minor and U-13 Championships - Lisburn Racquets Centre.
* Level 1 coaching course - Baldoyle Badminton Centre, Dublin.
* Badminton Open Day in Terenure Badminton Centre, Whitehall Road, Dublin 12. 2.00-5.00pm Coaching and Demonstrations for all ages and abilities.
* Badminton Fun and Games evening for U-13s, Sport and Leisure Complex, Ballina, County Mayo: 7.00-9.00pm. All welcome.
Check out www.badmintonireland.com for more information, or contact: Badminton Union of Ireland, Baldoyle Badminton Centre, Grange Road, Baldoyle, Dublin 13. Phone/Fax: 01 8393028. E-mail: info@badmintonireland.com.
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