Matthew shows off his skills to shoppers ahead of Games

A talented young badminton player tipped for the top of his game shared his skills with shoppers at Sainsbury’s Sprucefield when he visited the store before competing at a the Sainsbury’s 2014 School Games (September 4-7).
By The Newsroom
Published 30th Aug 2014, 10:00 BST
Lisburn lad Matthew Lightbody, (15), who is the Irish No 1 Badminton champ, gives a few tips to Clare Clarke in Sainsburys Sprucefield store. Also included are, (from left), Abby Corrigan, Terence Cullen, Joanne McCormick, Dwan Toland and Scott Dando.Lisburn lad Matthew Lightbody, (15), who is the Irish No 1 Badminton champ, gives a few tips to Clare Clarke in Sainsburys Sprucefield store. Also included are, (from left), Abby Corrigan, Terence Cullen, Joanne McCormick, Dwan Toland and Scott Dando.
Lisburn lad Matthew Lightbody, (15), who is the Irish No 1 Badminton champ, gives a few tips to Clare Clarke in Sainsburys Sprucefield store. Also included are, (from left), Abby Corrigan, Terence Cullen, Joanne McCormick, Dwan Toland and Scott Dando.

Matthew Lightbody, 15, from Lisburn, who has already scooped gold medals in the singles, doubles and mixed doubles events at the Carlton Youth International in Holland, visited Sainsbury’s as part of the Show your Support campaign, which encourages communities to get behind young athletes as they compete in the national competition next month.

The Sainsbury’s School Games is renowned for nurturing some of the UK’s best young sporting talent, with former School Games stars claiming 84 prestigious medals at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.

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This year’s event takes place in Manchester with young athletes from around the country taking part in the multi-sport event, that includes twelve disciplines including wheelchair basketball, a full athletics programme, swimming, badminton and more.

Matthew Lightbody, said: “The Sainsbury’s School Games is just a few weeks away so training is very intense at the moment, but it is great to take a break today to do something a bit more light-hearted. The Commonwealth Games have created a real buzz around sport, and hopefully this will help inspire local communities to get behind their local athletes ahead of our big competition in Manchester.”

Clare Clarke, from Sainsbury’s in Sprucefield, said: “It’s not every day that our customers pick up their shopping and see a local sporting star in action so I’m delighted to welcome Matthew into the store. We’ll certainly be tweeting our messages of support for him and the team ahead of the competition, and would urge local people to get behind them as well.”

To support athletes tweet your message using #2014SSG or leave a message on the website: www.2014schoolgames.com/support

Related topics:Sainsbury'sManchesterLisburnHollandGlasgow