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Wilson to use 'home advantage' at Para-Badminton International
Jack Wilson says competing on home soil will be "something special" as he prepares for the British & Irish Para-Badminton International in Cardiff.
The 30-year-old, from Glyn Ceiriog near Wrexham, will compete in the SU5 category for athletes with upper limb impairments.
Currently ranked number one in both Wales and the UK, Wilson is eager to make the most of familiar surroundings.
"It's the first time since 2003 that para-badminton has been back in Wales," says Wilson.
"I've got home advantage, back in the hall I spent 10 years of my life in. I'm raring to go."
With a medal firmly in his sights, Wilson also hopes the event will shine a light on the sport's accessibility.
"The ideal scenario is to at least medal," added Wilson.
"It's very important to raise awareness of the sport and show that it's accessible.
"Badminton Wales have done a lot recently in promoting para-badminton."
A 'major occasion' for Welsh para-badminton
The competition will be Wales' largest ever para-badminton tournament, and takes place in Cardiff from 22-26 July.
The important Grade 2, Level 1 event will take place at the Sport Wales National Centre in Sophia Gardens.
The competition sees 131 athletes from 32 countries - including Paralympic, World, and European medallists - compete in what is one of the major stops on the global para-badminton calendar.
The tournament also marks a significant moment for Welsh sport, bringing elite international competition back to the capital for the first time since the World Championships were held in the country back in 2003.
The event forms part of a wider effort by Badminton Wales to champion inclusivity in sport.
Alongside the tournament, the governing body has launched its 'Can You Manage?' campaign – a powerful new video initiative featuring para-athletes that challenges public perceptions and aims to inspire greater participation in the sport.
Kelly Aston MBE, CEO of Badminton Wales, said: "This is the first time we've hosted an event of this size.
"We really want to make it a major occasion to showcase that Wales can host events like para-badminton on the world stage."
