General

 

For immediate release. 

 

Badminton Canada to induct Michael Butler and Jean-Guy Poitras to Badminton Canada’s Hall of Fame in Moncton, New-Brunswick.

 

May 18, 2016

OTTAWA, ON - Badminton Canada is pleased to announce the induction of Michael Butler and Jean-Guy Poitras into Badminton Canada’s Hall of Fame.

Badminton Canada will formally induct Mr. Butler and Mr. Poitras during the 2016 Yonex Junior and U23 National Championships (May 16-21) and the 1st Canadian Para-Badminton Championships (May 19-20) being held this weekend in Moncton. The induction ceremony will take place on Friday, May 20 (beginning at 7:30 pm) at the Four Points by Sheraton located at 40 Lady Ada Blvd in Moncton, NB.

“Both Mike and Jean-Guy have made important contributions to the development of our sport in Canada and abroad. Respectively, they’ve been instrumental parts in developing Canada’s involvement in the sport on the world stage for over 40 years.” stated Badminton Canada President Anil Kaul.

As a former Canadian Olympian in the 1988 Olympic test event in Seoul, one of the only players to win 5 consecutive national championships (1983-1987) and a triple crown in 1987, Butler can be recognized as one of the top athletes our country has ever produced on our home soil. With a passion for badminton and its growth in Canada, Mike is one of our selected national coaches and currently improving his coaching certification through an advanced coaching diploma program out of Halifax. Mike states: “It’s a great honor to be recognized in the Badminton Canada Hall of Fame. I am truly humbled and excited for the sport I truly love.”

Jean Guy is another example of pure determination and contribution to our sport. One cannot think of badminton in New Brunswick without thinking of Mr. Poitras. His contributions for over 40 years – as an umpire, official and assessor – have left an incomparable stamp on the sport, the players and the growth of badminton internationally. Having written 52 books, umpired over 1200 international badminton matches and the recipient of the honorable Fox 40 Kitch MacPherson award for all sports umpiring, Poitras is still part of the badminton world as a global appraiser for the Badminton World Federation. Jean-Guy states: “To this day, students push me to search for excellence. Without them I wouldn’t be where I am and I admire their help along the years.”

About Badminton Canada

Badminton Canada is the national governing body of the sport of badminton in Canada. Our mission is to be an innovative and highly respected sports organization that is the leader in contributing to badminton becoming the most successful racquet sport in Canada and the world by enabling Canadian Athletes, Coaches and Officials of all ages, cultural background and skill level the opportunity to excel in badminton and in life.  For further information, visit www.badminton.ca. 

Rahim Karmali
Communications Manager 
Badminton Canada

rahim@badminton.ca