Following two days of practice sessions, the players were treated to a traditional Australian evening to kick off the event at Leisuretime Centre in Geelong, Australia.
After being welcomed by our local MC, City of Greater Geelong Mayor Bruce Harwood and President of Badminton Oceania and Badminton Australia Geraldine Brown, the players were greeted with a performance by Nikki McKenzie Wadawurrung woman and Norm Stanley didgeridoo player.
Once the speeches were finished, the players were invited to mingle with some guest animals from the local Jirrahlinga Koala and Wildlife Sanctuary, including a koala, baby kangaroo, wombat, snakes and lizards – a perfect picture opportunity to commemorate their experience.
Pictures from the opening ceremony are available to view on the Badminton Oceania Facebook page, along with the live-streamed video available to relive on the feed.
The draw for the Australian Para-Badminton International 2018 will be available in the late hours of this evening – available on Tournament Software.
Play commences on Thursday 22 November from 9.30am local time, with live results posted on Tournament Software and OVO live-streaming throughout the event. The links will be provided on the event page and on Badminton Oceania Facebook page so you can enjoy the action.
