Today Badminton Ireland announced Richard Vaughan as the new CEO of Badminton Ireland after a very competitive interview process for this key position.

Mr Ronan Rooney,  Badmitnon Ireland Chairperson commented “Richard brings a unique combination of badminton and business experience to the critical role of CEO. From a business standpoint Richard has a proven track record in business development, IT, marketing and project delivery. His record in badminton, as a player, coach and administrator is second to none. As a player, Richard is a double Olympian and a former British number one with a world ranking of 7 in men’s singles.  As a coach, he created his own badminton academy, which has developed a number of highly successful international players, and has delivered a number of successful projects for the Catalan Badminton Federation. Richard holds a BSc. in Economics and Politics, an MA in Sports Development and is currently completing an MBA.”

 

WELSH Olympian Richard Vaughan has been appointed chief executive officer of Badminton Ireland.

Vaughan, from Llanbradach, near Caerphilly, competed in the Olympics of 2000 in Sydney and 2004 in Greece.

(www.walesonline.co.uk)

Between the 19-29th April Badminton World Federation ran an Olympic Solidarity course in Lobatse, Botswana for the Botswana National Olympic Committee. I was asked to direct the course and over the ten days I was very impressed with the technical and pedagogical knowledge of the coaches.
The new sports complex in Lobatse had a brand new wooden floor hall and a great new national athletics/football stadium; a great location for the camp.
All involved with the Botswana Badminton Federation were well motivated and will progress the sport with the right support.
Keep an eye out of the Botswana Badminton Open later in the year in Lobatse.

Yesterday the RVBA's Sarah Thomas and Aimee Moran headed off to Finland for the European Junior Badminton Championships. Thomas will be looking to improve on her Last 16 result two years ago in Italy while Aimee Moran will be looking to make an impression at the European event after winning last month's National u19  title.

Results can be found on Badminton Europe.

Meanwhile RVBA youngsters Tsung Fong and Gean Sou Mo continued their fine winning form at the English Badminton Torbay u15 Open event winning three title between them.

Badminton club Paracuellos Saglas continued their winning run with a 4-3 victory over third placed Ibiza Badminton club in the Spanish badminton league.

The wins places Badminton club Paracuellos joint top with five time champions Badminton club Rinconada with one final match remaining. As it stands Badminton club Rinconada will win the group with a better points count back.

Badminton club Paracuellos are next up against Badminton club Xativa who are in contention for third place in the group and a place in the quarter finals.

Richard Vaughan and Sarah Thomas badminton club (Badminton Torrejon) beat six times Spanish champions Badminton Seville Rinconada 4-3 in a dramatic group match in Madrid this weekend.

The weekend got off to a bad start with cancelled flights out from the Uk and a last minute scramble to get a replacement flight in time for the match. It did not look good for the Badminton Torrejon as Richard and Sarah lost a close opening mixed against Indonesians Khosalida and Mesiy 21-15 17-21 17-21 which placed Badminton Rinconada in pole position.

The tide truned in the mens doubles with Vaughan and Llopis defeating Indonesians Khosalida and Kusuma 21-13 21-14. Badminton Torrejon took the first ladies singles and ladies doubles with Badminton Rinconada taking the 2nd ladies singles and 1st mens singles.

With the match tied on 3-3 Sergio Llopis claimed the win for Badminton Torrejon with a straight sets win over Velasquez.

A great win but Badminton Rinconada remain top of the league on points difference. The three matches in January will decide the final standings.

Badminton player Robert Blair, who switched his allegiance to England in 2001, is to return to Scottish colours, it was confirmed last night.

The 29-year-old won World Badminton Championship silver during his estrangement but has been locked in a battle to salvage his international career since August, when he was surprisingly excluded from England’s Commonwealth Games team for Delhi. This was followed by a demand that he stay away from the Great Britain and Badminton England training base at Milton Keynes and he was obliged to return to Glasgow, where he has subsequently been training with Badminton Scotland players. 

Another busy week for the RVBA players. Sarah Thomas was once again in action at the Commonwealth Games putting up a good display against India Badminton favourite Saina Newal. Sarah will be back home this week and I am sure looking forward to getting back in to some nice hard training.

Aimee Moran reached the quarter final of the Wimbledon junior badminton Open losing in three sets.

Gareth Day was at the Dorset badminton Open but had to withdraw due to technical reasons! (say no more)
Gean Sou Mo was also in action at the English Gold East tournament, but was unable to continue her recent good form.

This weekend will continue to be a busy weeked of badminton with Aimee Moran playing in Copenhagen for the Danish Junior Cup badminton event. Gean Sou Mo and Tsung Fong Mo at the English Badmintons Cwmbran Gold badminton event.

Vikki Jones will be playing for Rinconada badminton club in the Spanish badminton league as will Richard Vaughan playing for Paracuellos Madrid badminton club.

Richard Vaughan is a Double Olympic Badminton Player and former Badminton World No7 from Caerphilly, Wales. British No1 for a decade, Medallist at the European and Commonwealth Badminton Championships in addition to 16 International Title wins.

The Tahiti Badminton International Series 2010 has been planned for 3-5th September.

Part of the Oceania Badmitnon Circuit Event and a world ranking tournament

Prize-money: US$ 10 000

More information can be found here Tahiti Badminton!

Entries will be accepted if submitted through the Member Association of which the player/pair is a member, or on specific authorisation from the Member Association.