Serving, shuttles and ‘smashing’ sportsmanship exhibited at Trust-wide badminton event

On Friday 2nd February, over 150 secondary school students travelled from across Norfolk and the Waveney area to compete in the Inspiration Trust badminton tournament, held at the UEA Sportspark. This was the first event of 2024, following intra-trust events in Netball, Rugby and swimming, earlier in the academic year. 

Part of the Inspiration Trust’s continuing Trust-wide Sports Competition, this event involved all nine secondary schools, including Cromer Academy, East Point Academy, Great Yarmouth Charter Academy, Hethersett Academy, Hewett Academy, Jane Austen College, King Edward VII Academy, Thetford Academy and Wayland Academy. Pupils from Years 7 to 10 had the opportunity to take part and represent their school in a competitive environment with modern facilities and umpiring from sports leaders within the Trust. The event consisted of a round-robin tournament with teams of 4 pupils (2 girls and 2 boys from each year group).  

Inspiration Trust Sports Coordinator, Paul Wayman said:  

“This year’s Trust-wide badminton event was a real hit with both pupils and staff. Clearly, pupils have been working hard to hone their skills in PE lessons and extracurricular clubs at their respective academies. The standard of play this year had stepped up a notch. Most notably, some lightning quick reactions and performers demonstrating the full array of badminton shots.  

 

Eleanor Wilkinson put a lot of hard work and creativity into organising and delivering a truly memorable event. The ability to coordinate 288 matches across 12 courts was no mean feat. Eleanor was supported by 16 excellent sports leaders from Cromer Academy and 3 brilliant sports leaders from Thomas Paine Sixth Form. They umpired, kept score and facilitated the day's events with a high-level of professionalism.” 

Following a day of exceptional game-play, the winning teams were: 

Player of the tournament awards went to: