NOC*NSF has decided to stop funding the top sports program para-badminton at Papendal with effect from 2023. The sports umbrella organization sees insufficient medal opportunities for the Dutch para badminton players towards the upcoming Paralympic Games.
Paralympic dream
Badminton Netherlands is disappointed in NOC*NSF’s decision. Para badminton player Joshua Donker has made great strides in recent years and is at the top of the international para badminton circuit. The 22-year-old Donker would love to go to the Paralympic Games in Paris in 2024. As a young para badminton player, we hope that Donker will be a source of inspiration for a new generation. Badminton Nederland believes in Donker’s dream and is doing everything it can to support him towards Paris. This way Donker can continue to train at Papendal and we help him in the search for sponsors.
Despite the disappointment about the loss of financial support, Donker’s drive is unavoidable: ‘Of course I am very disappointed with the decision that NOC*NSF has made, but that is no reason to give up. I am therefore very happy that Badminton Netherlands still has confidence in me and I am convinced that I can prove the contrary.’
In order to keep the Paralympic dream alive, Donker is looking for partners and companies that want to support him on his way to Paris 2024. This concerns financial resources, but also, for example, transport to the gym.
Badminton Nederland and Donker look to the future together with confidence and hope to welcome partners who will help realize the Paralympic dream.
