Wiltshire to stage international match

12:22pm Monday 11th August 2008

BADMINTON: Wiltshire is to host an international badminton match for the first time in 15 years

The first ever international meeting between England and Poland will be staged at Swindon's Oasis Leisure Centre on Thursday November 6.

Poland are a rising force in international badminton and spectators can expect a very close encounter between the two sides, who are currently very evenly matched.

Wiltshire Badminton spokesman Simon French said: "This is fantastic news for Wiltshire and the West in general.

"This has been quite a coup for Wiltshire to get Badminton England, the sports governing body, to organise two such prestigious teams to come to the west country and to what is classed as a small venue in international terms.

"England and Poland have never met at international level before, so this will also be a little bit of history in the making. Hopefully we will be able to see some of ours, and Poland's Olympic stars - and who knows, maybe medal winner or two."

Sponsors for the event, Edmund-Nuttall Ltd, in partnership with Swindon Borough Council, have helped make the event possible.

French said: "We are really excited about this, what with Swindon having a large Polish community and a Polish Badminton club, we couldn't have asked for a better match.

"A lot of hard work has gone on behind the scenes to make this possible. There is still have much to do and arrange, including laying an international standard custom built floor just for the event and recruiting all the court officials and stewards.

"Even if you don't play badminton, to watch the game played at international standard is quite awesome, just watch the Olympics from Bejing, that's the standard you'll be able to see at the Oasis."

Ticket information will be announced via the press and Wiltshire Badminton's Website - www.wiltshirebadminton.co.uk towards the end of this month.

A commemorative programme is being produced to celebrate the event and will be on sale on the day.

Anybody or businesses wishing to advertise should contact Simon French on sifrench@ntlworld.com for details.