Bothwell badminton ace Kirsty Gilmour has set up a social enterprise venture to give something back to the sport that she has excelled in – but it’s in no way a move into retirement.
Gilmour, who has competed at an Olympics, won two Commonwealth Games medals and several international tournaments, has teamed up with her uncle David – himself a former badminton star – and Andrew Gallagher to set up Badminton Academy Social Enterprise (BASE), which she hopes to get off the ground soon.
She hopes it gives anyone who is interested in the sport a safe environment to be in, and says it’s open to everyone.
Gilmour said: “Badminton Academy Social Enterprise, or BASE, is just a social enterprise that I’m setting up with my uncle David and another guy called Andrew Gallagher.
“It’s going to be a social enterprise and a place that is completely inclusive for everyone from all walks of life, to all budget requirements, and hopefully it’s really accessible for anyone who wants to be a part of badminton.
“I’ve been thinking about something along these lines for a while, but it was really just from chatting with my uncle David and Andrew, and we’re all really passionate about it.
“I wouldn’t say I’m at the end of my career at all, but it’s something I’ve been thinking about and I’m in a good place to set it up now.
“I think for me to leave the sport with something really positive would be great – not that I’m planning on leaving the sport, this is not at all to do with retirement.
“It’s just looking at the next step, and giving something back while I’m still in badminton – I don’t see why you have to wait until after you’re in the sport to give back.
“This can hopefully be a nice, positive impact I can have on the sport.”
Gilmour says the coronavirus outbreak has convinced her that this is a good time to bring people together.
“It’s quite necessary, people are looking for new ways to engage in sport,” she said. “The pandemic has proved more than ever that physical activity is a great way to upkeep and improve mental health.
“If we can use all those positive messages that have been banded around, and for it to feed into our positive message of getting people involved in badminton, then I think that’s great. We are still looking for a solid facility – a base, if you will. We’re ready to go, all the ideas are there.
“Everyone’s welcome – kids, seniors, mums, dads – and we’re hoping it’s a space where anyone can get involved.”
Follow Lanarkshire Live Sport on Twitter via @LanLiveSport, like us on Facebook or find us on Instagram for the latest sports news, pictures and video
