Events
The YONEX Canadian International Challenge 2020 is Here!
February 27, 2020
From March 31st to April 5th, 2020, Badminton Canada will be hosting the YONEX Canadian International Challenge 2020 at MacDonald Island Park in Fort McMurray, Alberta!
The event is part of the Badminton World Federation (BWF) continental circuit, where athletes compete internationally in order to earn world ranking points that count towards Olympic qualification. With the Tokyo 2020 Olympic qualifying period ending April 26th, 2020, the Canadian International Challenge will welcome the best athletes from around the world as they pursue their Olympic dreams!
Some of Canada’s best badminton athletes will be in attendance, including 18-year-old prospect, and 2019 Pan Am Games Bronze medalist, Brian Yang. Yang is fresh off an incredible season, ranked 2nd overall on the BWF Boy’s Singles World Junior Ranking this winter, and is poised be to one of Canada’s best badminton athletes.
Anticipated players to compete include YONEX Canadian National Team athletes; Brian Yang in Men’s Singles, Men’s Doubles pair Jason Ho-Shue and Nyl Yakura, and Mixed Doubles pair Joshua Hurlburt-Yu and Josephine Wu – all of whom are defending National Champions and 2019 Pan Am Games Champions!
In addition to our Canadian athletes, players from around the world will be present, nearly 200 in total are expected to attend with over 100 delegates and coaches; making the Canadian International Challenge 2020 the largest single-sport international event hosted in Fort McMurray!
“We’re excited to welcome hundreds of the world’s top badminton players, delegates and coaches to our region,” said Don Scott, Mayor of the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo. “As hosts of the YONEX Canadian International Challenge, we have an opportunity to showcase our region and world-class facilities and to cheer on Canada’s best badminton athletes as they pursue their dreams of Olympic qualification.”
“We are thrilled to be delivering top level badminton to Fort McMurray” said Executive Director of Badminton Canada, Joe Morissette. “Through the support of the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo, the Government of Alberta, and YONEX Canada, we are able to host this prestigious event. We look forward to welcoming communities and residents from across the region to the Canadian International Challenge to experience the incredible excitement and atmosphere that this event brings.”
Spectators will have free access to watch the YONEX Canadian International Challenge throughout the week. Fans and spectators are welcome to attend each session of play and cheer on all the athletes.
For media access and athlete media availability, please contact mikeluck@badminton.ca
Mike Luck
Events & Communications, Manager
Badminton Canada
(613) 748-5674