Jack Shephard hopes that the UK Para Badminton Championships can ride the coattails of Paris 2024 in growing the sport in Britain and beyond.
The 27-year-old made his second Paralympic appearance in Paris this summer in both the men’s SH6 singles and mixed doubles alongside Rachel Choong.
He now takes to the court once more before the end of the year for the UK Para Badminton Championships at the English Institute of Sport in Sheffield.
Shephard has two titles to defend in the Steel City at the third iteration of the event, after winning the singles and mixed doubles crowns last year alongside teammate Choong.
And Shephard hopes that ParalympicsGB’s fortunes in Paris this summer has inspired people to pick up a racquet and join him on the court in Sheffield.
“The UK Champs is a great thing for the growth of para badminton,” he said. “The Pathway Development team are doing a lot to try and help the sport grow and the champs is just part of that.
“Hopefully the buzz off the back of the Paralympics and the great show we put on out there will give it good publicity for people to have a go and come to the Championships.
“I’m really excited to play in front of a top turn out. Every year it just keeps getting better.”
Three months on from Paris, Shephard also noted that the UK Championships were the perfect opportunity to get back onto the court and work towards another chapter of his badminton career.
“I feel like I’ve got something to work towards again and get back into gear,” he said.
“I need to make sure I come away as UK champion again as it’s always nice to say that you’re best in the UK and put that on your sporting CV.”
The Championships take place from the 22-24 November with Shephard set to be joined by Paralympic mixed doubles teammate Choong and Paris 2024 silver medallists Dan Bethell and Krysten Coombs.
With four Paralympians attending the event, it is the perfect opportunity for young and aspiring athletes to meet their heroes and learn from the best.
It is an opportunity Shephard knows could be a vital step in many badminton players’ careers and expressed his excitement in giving back to the community that have supported him on his own sporting journey.
“It’s great for those players who are still trying to develop, giving them the opportunity to play people like myself, Dan and the other top players in the country,” he said. “It allows us to give back to the sport in that way.
“If younger players see me doing a good warm up in preparation or a cool down, it will give them some education around elite sport.
“They might be wondering what the purpose behind the methods are and learn from that.
“If anyone asks for a photo or an autograph, I’ll always make time for people.
“They’ve obviously then been inspired by my journey so if I can give two minutes of my time to help them become the next best player, then I’m more than happy.”
