Badminton day proves to be a smash

It was racquets at the ready on Sunday as 40 members of the community took part in Maccabi GB’s Community Badminton Day.

The event, at Hendon Leisure Centre, made its much-anticipated return since last being held in 2012 and was run in conjunction with Maccabi GB’s weekly badminton club and MGB badminton chair, John Roback.

The event saw a number of competitive fixtures including junior, open (male and female) and masters singles tournaments – won by Jack Shulton, Danny Baigel, Loretta Childs, and Philip Baigel respectively. There followed junior and senior doubles tournaments – with Jack Shulton & Ben Charles and Louie Graham & Oliver Davis emerging victorious. There was also a taster session for badminton enthusiasts and novices alike. As part of Maccabi GB’s ‘Sport for Everyone’ programme, the Community Badminton Day encouraged Jewish people to get involved in sport and exercise, regardless of age or ability.

Speaking about the Community Badminton Day, Maccabi GB’s Event Coordinator Janice Aarons said: “Badminton is extremely popular within the Community and this event is clear evidence of that. It was amazing to see such a strong attendance, not just from regular Badminton players, but also families and friends who just wanted to have some fun whilst getting a little bit of exercise. It is very encouraging to witness so many people from our Community getting involved in sport in some way. It shows there is a great demand for these kinds of events and it bodes well for ones we will be hosting in the future. Working closely with John Roback was a fantastic help.”

John Roback said: “It was great to see 45 members of the Community coming together to play badminton under the Maccabi GB banner. We would love to repeat this event twice a year and expect to have the same number of participants, if not more. It is clear that badminton is a popular sport among Jewish people, both at a junior level and particularly over 40’s. Maccabi GB caters for both groups, with a regular Sunday club for the Juniors and plans for an over 40’s group, so I would encourage anyone who has an interest to get involved. Badminton offers excellent aerobic exercise and competitive play for those of us who find the gym uninspiring or expensive.”