Northern Ireland today welcomed the South African Olympic badminton players as they arrived at George Best Belfast City Airport and travelled the short distance to Lisburn Racquets Club which will be their home for the next five days before they take their place in the Olympic Park in London.
Representatives from DCAL, Sport Northern Ireland, Lisburn City Council and Lisburn Racquets were on hand to welcome Men’s Doubles, Dorian James and Willem Viljoen who were ranked 48 on qualification, and Ladies Doubles Michelle Edwards and Annari Viljoen who were ranked 44 on qualification.
Young local badminton players chatted with the squad, particularly Michelle who is about to embark upon her 3rd Olympic Games in a row. Although far from home, Willem and Annari are brother and sister and all the Olympians are sure to be made to feel part of the family at Lisburn Racquets. As part of their training, the players will also compete in open Match Play sessions with the Ulster High Performance Squad, all of which are open to the public. Why not come along and watch the Olympic athletes in action.
All of the events below are open to the public:
Sat 21st
3.00-4.00pm
Men doubles match: Locals V SA
Tony Stephenson Ulster no 1 playing
Ladies doubles match: Locals v SA
4.00-5.00pm
Men doubles match: Locals v SA
Ladies doubles match: Locals v SA
Sun 22nd
1.00-2.00pm
Men doubles match: Locals V SA
Tony Stephenson Ulster no 1 playing
Ladies doubles match: Locals v SA
2.00-3.00pm
Men doubles match: Locals v SA
Ladies doubles match: Locals v SA
Mon 23rd
10.00-11.00am
Mens Doubles match: Locals v SA
Tony Stephenson Ulster no 1 playing
Ladies Doubles match: Locals V SA
11.00-12.00
Mens Doubles match: Locals v SA
Mens Doubles match: Locals V SA
Wed 25th
10.00-11.00am
Mens Doubles match: Locals v SA
Tony Stephenson Ulster no 1 playing
Mens Doubles match: Locals V SA
11.00-12.00
Mens Doubles match: Locals v SA
