Lanarkshire badminton players have a mountain to climb

Apr 2 2008

FIFTEEN top badminton players literally have a mountain to climb in their bid to set up a Lanarkshire academy.

In July, members of the Lanarkshire Badminton Association will attempt to scale all nine Scottish Munros in 24 hours in a bid to raise £9000 — £1000 per mountain.

It’s hoped that the marathon fundraising effort will help the Lanarkshire Area Schools’ Badminton Association (LASBA) encourage more youngsters to play the sport, by removing playing and tuition fees.

And the ultimate aim is to set up a Lanarkshire Academy.

One player spear-heading the ambitious campaign is international player Kevin Carr (18), from Hamilton, who is a former Holy Cross High pupil.

Kevin feels that it’s essential to safeguard a future for the fast-growing sport.

He said: “Lanarkshire is rapidly becoming a force to be reckoned with on the badminton circuit, but the costs of maintaining such a set-up are high.

“This summer 15 of Lanarkshire’s finest will attempt to climb the nine highest mountains in Scotland in under 24 hours in a bid to raise £9000 and allow ourselves, and the younger players, to continue to train and play at the highest possible level.”

Kevin and the other 14 players have started a gruelling training regime, and although there are some concerns, most of them are looking forward to the challenge.

He said: “There are a few worries, but in the main we’re happy to go for it. We need the money and it’s just something that needs to be done.

“It’s very important that we do this; badminton is the second most popular sport in the world, although you wouldn’t think that in this country.

“A lot of money is spent on the sport in other countries around the world, and it’s difficult for our players to compete against that — it’s not a level playing field.

“If we can set up a situation where young players don’t need to pay to play badminton, that would be great.

“We hope essentially to be able to set up a Lanarkshire badminton academy, and try to keep the talented young players coming through.

“But it’s also for people who don’t play badminton, and want to.”

Kevin says the idea was somewhat organic, as several players undertake physical training in hilly areas during the summer.

Having read about a group of experienced climbers who had managed the feat, they thought they would give it a go.

Kevin said: “Training at the moment is pretty intensive stuff, although we’ve had to do the majority of it indoors because of the poor weather.

“We’ve only been able to do general training, but we’re all going to Aviemore for a weekend to get us used to some of the hills we’re going to be climbing.”

Kevin will also climb Ben Nevis on Saturday for a separate charity event, as he aims to raise money for ALMA, a charity which offers support to people with special needs.

He first got involved with the charity through Holy Cross, and continues to raise money whenever possible.

Hamilton and Blantyre ALMA groups offer members sport, games, arts and crafts and dancing.

Clubs also give families a short respite break.

Anybody interested in joining the Lanarkshire Badminton Association, helping them out for their Munro challenge, or sponsoring them, should contact Kevin on 07725 300799.