During Badminton Europe’s 2012 ADM, which was staged on 21 April in Karlskorna, Sweden, alongside the European Badminton Championships, two Women in Badminton awards were handed: the Person of the Year Award and the Project of the Year Award. This is the first time both awards are introduced, the objective being to recognize the contribution of women for the sport as well as the projects that promote those women.

Among the applications received from the Member Associations, the Women in Badminton working group, newly created, had, as a first task, to suggest the 2 winners, followed by the Badminton Europe Council’s approval.

With her involvement in actions to attract more girls to start playing badminton, and as a former elite player herself, Johanna Persson of Sweden was awarded the Person of the Year prize. Badminton Sweden President, Mervi Karttunen, received the award on her behalf.

The Women in Sport project, leaded by Richard Vaughan and Cheryl Evans from Ireland was selected as the prize winner. The project, in partnership with the Irish Sports Council, focuses on supporting women in badminton as player, coach, sport coordinator, and technical official. Badminton Ireland General Secretary, and project leader, Richard Vaughan received the award (see picture).

The next edition of the Awards will be next year, around the same time, during Badminton Europe’s 2013 ADM.

For more information on the Women in Badminton Awards, click here.