Wrexham’s Wilson says big Cardiff event ‘will be special’

With just a few weeks to go until the British & Irish Para Badminton International in Cardiff, Welsh athlete Jack Wilson is preparing to take centre stage – not just to win, but to inspire.

Thirty-year-old Wilson, from Wrexham, who competes in the SU5 category for athletes with upper limb impairments, has become a powerful voice in para sport. He is currently the only Welsh athlete on the GB para-badminton programme, and he will be one of seven GB athletes taking part in the British & Irish Para Badminton International in Cardiff later this month.

Wilson, who also studied and lived in Cardiff, has the Los Angeles 2028 Paralympic Games in his sights. He also hopes his journey to being a world class para-badminton player will show others what’s possible.

He was one of the first Welsh para-athletes to break into able-bodied national tournaments, challenging perceptions and proving that disability doesn’t limit ambition.

“I grew up in a small village just outside Wrexham and didn’t really see anyone who looked like me doing sport,” Wilson said.

“But I never saw myself as different – just someone who loved to play. Sport gave me confidence, and badminton gave me purpose.

“People often think para sport is just a version of something else, but we train just as hard, compete just as fiercely, and dream just as big. Being able to do that in front of a home crowd in Cardiff? That will be special.”

The British & Irish Para Badminton International, taking place from July 22-26 at the Sport Wales National Centre, is the biggest para badminton event ever held in Wales.

It will bring together elite players from across the world as part of the official BWF Para Badminton World Circuit.

The event is made possible with the support of UK Sport and the Welsh Government, reinforcing Wales’ growing reputation as a hub for high-performance sport. Their backing along with Sport Wales, Disability Sport Wales and Yonex, will ensure the tournament will provide world-class facilities and opportunities for para-athletes while inspiring the next generation of players in Wales and beyond.

Welsh Government’s cabinet secretary for economy, energy and planning, Rebecca Evans MS, said: “The Welsh Government is delighted to support the British and Irish Para Badminton International, and to welcome world-class athletes to Wales. We are fully committed to ensuring that Wales has sporting opportunities for everyone, and we know that the event will inspire people from across Wales and the world.”

Wilson hopes the event will give greater visibility to the sport and increase participation in para badminton across the UK.

“If there’s one person watching in the crowd or online who thinks, ‘Hey, maybe I can try this,’ then it’s all worth it,” he said.

“Para badminton changed my life. I want more people to know it’s out there. You just have to take that first step. And if I can help someone take it—then I’m doing my job.”

Wilson is calling on the public to show up, support, and get involved – whether it’s watching world-class matches, volunteering at the event, or picking up a racket for the first time.