Badminton stars poised to visit
Badminton stars Nathan Robertson and Gail Emms are looking forward to visiting Hastings for the first time.
The Olympic medal winners will be coaching nearly 80 aspiring young players as part of an exclusive Badminton Masterclass day at Helenswood Sports Centre tomorrow (Sunday).
Robertson said: "I don't from memory think we have played in Hastings before so it will be great to be there for the first time. It should be a great day and we always look forward to running these masterclass events.
"Everyone who attends should have a good day and hopefully pick up some great tips for the future, as well as a good experience."
Robertson and Emms were the Torvill and Dean of badminton, winning a number of mixed doubles medals at major championships, including silver at the 2004 Olympics in Athens.
They went one better by striking gold at the 2004 European Championships, 2006 World Championships, 2006 Commonwealth Games and 2006 IBF World Championships.
"We get a lot out of coaching at these events," continued Robertson. "Obviously inspiring children to play more is the main thing, but everyone at any age can improve a lot with a few simple tips and adjustments."
The popular pair, both 31, made a tearful farewell from competition following a quarter-final defeat to the eventual winners at the 2008 Olympics in Beijing, with Emms, who was recently awarded an MBE in the Queen's Birthday Honours' List, retiring from the sport.
But Robertson has carried on playing and with some success too, winning the men's doubles title with Anthony Clark at the Aviva Singapore Open earlier this month.
The Nottinghamshire pair, who beat World and Olympic champions Hendra Setiawan and Markis Kido in the final, have risen from 19th to 10th in the latest BWF world rankings.
Robertson added: "It's so important to get children of all ages playing any sport, and if they are playing badminton, then even better for our sport. Hopefully we are setting a good example and giving them something to aspire to."
The appearance of Robertson and Emms in Hastings is part of a nationwide tour and they will focus their attention on the four main components needed to be a top player – mental, technical, tactical and physical.
The day will be split into three age-related sessions with the under-11s first up from 9.30-11.30am, followed by the under-13s from 12-2pm, and lastly older teenagers and adults from 3-5pm.
It has been organised by the Hastings Junior Badminton Club and places were offered to its members, although requests were received from all over Sussex and beyond.
David Fletcher, whose hard work has made the day happen, said: "It's going to be a great day and I think this might be a real motivation for some of the children."
All participants will be presented with a personally signed autograph card of Robertson and Emms, and the pair always welcome people to have pictures taken with them if they wish.
Spectators are welcome at a cost of 1 per person. There will also be a raffle for sports bags, racquets, and signed posters of Robertson and Emms with all proceeds going to St Michael's Hospice.
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Weather for Hastings
Tuesday 29 May 2012
Today
Light rain
Temperature: 11 C to 21 C
Wind Speed: 10 mph
Wind direction: West
Tomorrow
Sunny spells
Temperature: 12 C to 18 C
Wind Speed: 14 mph
Wind direction: South
