Members of 65th Edinburgh company, The Boys’ Brigade (BB), have been crowned National Badminton Champions at the UK & ROI Finals at The Valley Leisure Centre, Newtownabbey on Saturday (17 Apr). Teams from around the UK competed, including one other Scottish team from Largs.
Councillor Thomas Hogg, Mayor of Antrim and Newtonabbey Council, presented the National Trophy to the members of the 65th Edinburgh, who clinched the title for the second year in a row. Making up the team were Andrew Sawkins, Peter Sawkins, David Kong, Liam Packwood and Jason Wang.
Speaking afterwards, Liam Packwood, member of the winning team said: “Going to the Badminton Finals in Belfast was a great experience and an adventure of sorts. It was made all the better, of course, by the fact we won!”
Another member of the 65th, Andrew Sawkins, added: “It was amazing to retain the trophy, especially in my final year. What a brilliant way to go out!”
The national competition is one of series of sporting competitions in which BB members from across the British Isles take part.
Bill Stevenson, Director of The Boys’ Brigade in Scotland, said: “Congratulations to the team from 65th Edinburgh who have won the title for the second year running.
“Getting to the final is an achievement in itself and the result of months of hard work. Badminton is one of several UK-wide competitions which The Boys’ Brigade offers in order to challenge our young people and help them develop skills and lead more active lives.”
The final was between the 65th and 1st Largs. Other companies taking part were: 4th Newtonabbey; 1st Garvagh; 2nd Bedford and 16th Liverpool.
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