Special Olympics and Badminton World Federation Mark Milestone with Global Impact Report

Special Olympics International (SOI) and the Badminton World Federation (BWF) unveiled the Special Olympics Badminton Impact Report 2020–2024 today at a celebration held courtside during the Special Olympics Asia Pacific Regional Badminton Competition in Bukit Kiara, Malaysia. 

The ceremony brought together leaders from the global badminton and Special Olympics communities – including Special Olympics Maldives badminton player, Ibrahim Rabeeth and Special Olympics Malaysia Unified partner Aqilah Qistina as emcees; Mr. Bong Koi Sin, President of Special Olympics Malaysia; Lou Lauria, Chief of Sport & Competition at Special Olympics International; and Khunying Patama Leeswadtrakul, President of the Badminton World Federation.

The Impact Report highlights the remarkable progress made under the 2020–2024 Global Strategic Badminton Development Plan, a collaboration that has transformed the landscape of inclusive badminton worldwide. 

Key achievements include: 

• 137,803 athletes with intellectual disabilities are now playing badminton through Special Olympics. 

• 36,212 Unified partners and 13,464 coaches, including more than 11,000 certified coaches, are actively engaged. 

• 19 new countries and programs introducing badminton to their Special Olympics offerings since 2020. 

• 62 partnerships forged between Special Olympics Programs and BWF Member Associations, powering opportunities for inclusive sport at every level. 

The partnership has also advanced innovation in coaching and competition delivery, from new inclusivity guidelines in BWF’s Shuttle Time resources, to a groundbreaking Badminton Athlete Divisioning Assessment Form successfully used at the Special Olympics World Games Berlin 2023. 

A Shared Vision 

Speaking at the launch, BWF President Khunying Patama Leeswadtrakul emphasized badminton’s role as a unifying force: 

“The Badminton World Federation is delighted to continue our work with Special Olympics International.”

“Our vision is clear. Every child should have the chance to play badminton for life.”

“Through our partnership we have witnessed how sport can break down barriers, foster respect, and create opportunities that extend far beyond the court.”

“As we reflect on our achievements together, the BWF remains deeply committed to strengthening this collaboration with Special Olympics and ensuring that badminton continues to be a sport for all.”

SOI Chairman Timothy Shriver echoed this commitment in the report foreword, celebrating badminton as “a movement-builder that showcases the unifying power of sport.” 

A Call to Action 

The celebration concluded with a ceremonial signing of the pledge banner, already adorned with signatures collected throughout the week from athletes, coaches, community leaders, and partners committed to the growth of Special Olympics badminton. At the event, Ibrahim, Aqilah, Lou, Khunying Patama and Mr. Bong added their signatures, underscoring their personal commitment and symbolizing the shared responsibility of sustaining the sport’s momentum.  

“Badminton has been a part of my life since 2008. It gives me joy, strength, and courage. My aspiration is simple: to keep playing, to keep growing, and to share my love for badminton with the world.” said Maldives Special Olympics badminton player Ibrahim during the ceremony.  

Looking Ahead 

As Special Olympics badminton enters its next chapter, the Impact Report provides a blueprint for scaling inclusive opportunities globally. With the support of Special Olympics’ global partner Gallagher, who has invested in sport and coaching across the movement, the foundation is strong for even greater impact in the years to come. 

The full Special Olympics Badminton Impact Report 2020–2024 is now available to the public and showcases how the collaboration between Special Olympics and the Badminton World Federation is changing lives worldwide through the power of sport.