Para-Badminton mourns Jim Mackay

Jim Mackay, one of the founding members of International Badminton Association for the Disabled (IBAD), passed away yesterday. The international badminton family knew Jim Mackay, who’d very often come to the best badminton events with his warm smile and great sense of humour. He had been very active in the development of the sport for disabled players, as states one of his friends, Derek, today:

“His contribution to badminton for those with disabilities through his work with IBAD – later to become the Para-Badminton World Federation (PBWF) before its merger with the BWF – cannot be underestimated. I know that he derived great pleasure from the BWF’s recognition of that contribution via its Meritorious Service Award but the real “icing on the cake” for Jim came with last October’s announcement that Para-Badminton is to become a Paralympic sport. It’s a great pity that he will not be there to see the first events in Tokyo as I know that would have made him incredibly proud and will be a true vindication of his early work and faith in our sport.

“As yet we have no details of the funeral arrangements but will pass them on as they become available.”

We at Badzine send our condolences to his friends and family.