Between September 25 and 27, 2026, the CREPS facility in Nantes hosted a national para-badminton training camp organized by the French Badminton Federation (FFBaD). The weekend gathering brought together 25 athletes with motor disabilities alongside deaf and hard-of-hearing players for intensive sessions focused on both athletic introduction and advanced skill progression.
Training Structure and Coaching at the CREPS Facility
The camp catered to a broad spectrum of experience levels. For newcomers, the weekend offered an essential first introduction to para-badminton, while more experienced competitors used the sessions to refine their techniques and sustain their athletic development. Five dedicated coaches and two volunteers supervised the weekend, tailoring their guidance to the diverse needs of the participants throughout the drills and match play.
Running concurrently with the athlete sessions, a specialized coaching certification workshop—the DI Para diploma, focused on training individuals with disabilities—took place at the same venue. Trainee coaches took an active role on the courts, gaining hands-on experience by supervising portions of the camp’s workouts.
A Broader Summer of Youth Development Across France
This autumn gathering in Nantes follows a busy national calendar for the federation’s disability programs. That session featured 12 young athletes aged 10 to 18, including regional prospect Lorna Seiler of Marssac Badminton. Expert staff in Vichy included physiotherapist, mental coach, and animator Fabien Guidoux alongside training and animation lead Anthony Devant.
Atmosphere and Human Dynamics in Nantes
Organizers noted that the Nantes camp maintained an exceptionally positive environment driven by participant commitment. High motivation levels, steady peer-to-peer exchanges, and an emphasis on shared sporting and human values defined the three-day schedule at the regional center.
