We have a Victorian champion
Congratulations to Michael Simpkins on winning the 2023 Protech Victorian Para Badminton Singles Championship.
He defeated last year’s winner Cèline Vinot in straight sets at the Melbourne Sports and Aquatic Centre.
Michael held on in tight first set before claiming the second set with a little more margin.
Michael is now qualified for the Australian Para Championships in his first attempt at this level of tournament play.
“I didn’t really know how I would go, so to progress through the tournament was a bit of a surprise,”
Michael admitted.
“But I’m stoked to have won it.”
Pictured above: Michael (right) Cèline (centre) and a Badminton Australia representative.
Management committee updates
A number of improvements to the centre have been carried out recently.
The new storage cupboards opposite court 4 and the storage beside court 6 are now complete.
The unsightly roller doors on the shuttle store have been removed.
An upgrade to the stadium’s speaker and amplifier system will be completed by early next year in time for the Oceania Championships and Geelong Veterans Tournament.
Monday ladies, Monday and Thursday night comps wrap up
Thursday night
Section one winners: Tim Conway, Chris Lara, Adam Saunders, Sean McBride.
Runners up: Ard Boonkhamchoo, Wayne Daniel, Tracey McInerney, Jacob Nguyen.
Section two winners: Lyndon Judd, Tracey McMillan, Rebecca Saunders, Landon Taylor.
Runners up: Matthew Benham, Darren Moodie, Sarah Kremar, Jaclyn McBride.
Monday morning ladies
Section one winners: Vanessa, Linda, Danielle and Karen.
Runners up: Deb, Kerri M, Kerry S and Gretta (missing: Jean).
Section two winners: Tracy, Margaret, Gwenda and Carly.
Runners up: Sheryl, Denise, Val and Sandra.
Monday night competition:
Season two overall winner: Vishal
Runner-up: Vijay
Third: Manu
Badminton family festive fun
Badminton Geelong’s activation site at this year’s Festival of Sport proved popular, with about 60 people grabbing a racquet.
Despite the overcast and breezy conditions, families enjoyed having a hit and giggle with several indicating interest in taking up the sport.
Gala Dinner attracts peacocks, night owls and the odd galah…
What happens at the Gala Dinner stays at the Gala Dinner–and here are the photos to prove it. Let’s face it–you’re only scanning these pics to see if you’re in one.The show did manage to raise some funds for our own Badminton Australia team rep Jacob Schueler to realise his Paris Olympics dream–$1000 to be exact. So no names mentioned–you know who you are!
