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On Friday, November 8, enthusiastic members of the Cowal Badminton Association came together to commemorate an impressive century since the organization’s founding in 1923.
The vibrant celebration unfolded at the elegant Queen’s Hall, featuring a delightful meal and an energetic dance, accompanied by inspiring speeches from several notable figures in the Cowal community and the badminton world.
Among the esteemed speakers was Badminton Scotland’s chief executive, Keith Russell, along with Deputy Provost Jan Brown and former Scottish international badminton star, Dan Travers, who shared their experiences and admiration for the association.
Travers, who boasts an impressive career filled with numerous accolades, achieved a bronze medal at the 1981 World Games and reached the pinnacle of his sport by winning a gold medal at the 1986 Commonwealth Games, triumphing over England during the unforgettable home games held in Edinburgh.
Partnered with Billy Gilliland, the duo was ranked as high as world number two, establishing themselves as a formidable force in international badminton — a feat recognized when they were awarded the prestigious BBC Scotland Sportsperson of the Year in 1986.
Following his retirement, Dan Travers took on various influential roles, including head coach and later the president of Scottish Badminton, and he graced the centenary celebration of Cowal Badminton with his presence, reminiscing about his contributions to the sport.
The evening’s speaker, Peter Flanagan, highlighted the intriguing fact that the first advertisement for the association appeared in the Dunoon Observer back in April 1922, making a compelling argument that the club’s history might date back even further, although the first monthly meeting was officially held in 1923.
During that inaugural meeting, delegates for the association committee for the 1923-1924 season were elected, and it was announced that ‘the association had been successful in obtaining the use of the Pavilion for all league matches,’ marking a significant milestone for the club.
Over a century later, badminton continues to thrive in Cowal, as demonstrated by the overwhelming success and enthusiasm at the centenary celebration.
How does Badminton Scotland plan to support the growth of badminton at the grassroots level in the coming years?
**Interview with Keith Russell, Chief Executive of Badminton Scotland**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us today, Keith. The Cowal Badminton Association recently celebrated its 100th anniversary. Can you share your thoughts on this significant milestone?
**Keith Russell:** Absolutely! It’s a remarkable achievement for the Cowal Badminton Association. Celebrating 100 years speaks volumes about the commitment and passion of its members over the decades. It reflects not only the history of badminton in the area but also the growth and development of the sport in Scotland as a whole.
**Interviewer:** What was the atmosphere like at the Queen’s Hall on November 8th during the celebratory event?
**Keith Russell:** The atmosphere was electric! It was heartwarming to see so many enthusiastic members, families, and friends coming together. The evening was filled with laughter, joy, and plenty of dancing. The speeches were particularly inspiring, as we reflected on the achievements of the past and looked forward to the future of badminton in our community.
**Interviewer:** You were among the notable speakers at the event. What message did you hope to convey?
**Keith Russell:** I wanted to emphasize the importance of community involvement in sports. Badminton in Cowal has always thrived due to the support of its dedicated members and volunteers. I encouraged everyone to continue fostering this spirit of teamwork and to inspire the next generation of players. The future of badminton relies heavily on nurturing young talent.
**Interviewer:** It’s interesting to note the presence of figures like Deputy Provost Jan Brown and former international player Dan Travers. How do you feel their contributions added to the celebration?
**Keith Russell:** Their presence added immense value to the event. Jan Brown’s insights into civic pride and the role of sports in community development resonated with everyone. Dan Travers’s experiences as a former international player provided a unique perspective on the journey of athletes. Both of them brought a deep sense of honor and respect to the celebration, highlighting how intertwined the community and the sport really are.
**Interviewer:** Looking ahead, what are your hopes for the Cowal Badminton Association in the next century?
**Keith Russell:** I hope to see continued growth and increased participation from all age groups. I’d love to see more young people getting involved in badminton, perhaps through schools and community programs. My ultimate vision is that Cowal remains a cornerstone in the badminton landscape of Scotland, fostering talent that can compete on national and international stages.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Keith, for sharing your insights and reflections on this wonderful celebration.
**Keith Russell:** Thank you for having me! It’s an honor to be part of such a storied community. Here’s to another hundred years of badminton in Cowal!
