Young Achiever Award

William Smith being presented his award by television presenter Ian Payne

William Smith, Northumberland's 16 year old disabled badminton star, received the npower English Federation of Disability Sport North East Young Male Achiever Award at a ceremony at Durham County Cricket Club, Chester-le-Street.

To add to this award William also received a surprise bursary from the Freemasons to help with his training costs, to enable him to progress to the next level of his chosen sport. This bursary, along with a further generous award which has just been made by the Trustees of Sport Newcastle, will be most welcome, as William is training hard to compete in the 4 Nations Event in Cardiff in July and then possibly the World Championships in Thailand in October with his new partner from Wales. William has also recently received some equipment and clothes from Victor Sports.

William's aim is to compete in the 2012 Paralympics when, hopefully, badminton will be included for the first time.

For more information on badminton in Northumberland visit the badminton pages.