It was under the eyes of Charles Noakes, Paralympic para-badminton champion in Paris last summer, that the French para-badminton championship was held in Gien, this weekend from January 10 to 12.
The 27-year-old Frenchman, in high demand for three days, shone by easily winning the two categories in which he was entered, men’s singles and doubles. “I tried to give advice to my partner during my matches. I was also able to exchange and share my daily life with everyone during the weekend. There is a lot of generosity and I like that a lot. “
A woman from Loire against the Paralympic champion
Charles Noakes was not the only one to perform in a particularly well-organized tournament by the Gien badminton club. The young Pauline Pelle-Beaufour, member of the Darvoy/Jargeau/Saint-Denis de l’Hôtel alliance, won in the mixed doubles with Maxime Greboval after an intense final (21-10, 24- 26, 21-10).
“It was very tough on certain points. The weekend was intense, but it went well,” confided the mixed pair. Pauline Pelle-Beaufour, entered in singles in the category intended for small players, also won (21-12, 21-10). While she was also able to challenge Paralympic champion Charles Noakes in doubles, it was an idyllic weekend that the young woman experienced.
Just like Sabrina Cornayre. Supported by a huge fan club from Pithiviers, the badista who played in a wheelchair, which she called Pepito (in the WH1 and WH2 categories), brought home three medals. Gold for the ladies’ singles. In silver for mixed doubles. In bronze for the ladies’ doubles.
“I’m following up after the gold medal won for the last French championships in November. It’s a pleasure. The friends of the club will be able to accommodate me (laughs).”
A very friendly atmosphere
A title won in good humor, like the championships contested in goodwill.
A moment appreciated by Franck Laurent, the brand new and recent president – he was elected on December 14 – of the French badminton federation. “We knew we could trust Gien. The Para atmosphere is very friendly and that’s what we want to highlight.”
A successful bet for a discipline which only has 400 registered players. “There are plenty of people who play, but do not want to be counted. We therefore have work to do to increase the community. Our sport has 230,000 members,” concludes Franck Laurent.
