Before his accident, Michael Simpkins had never played badminton. But after becoming a person with a disability, he saw it as an opportunity to reconnect with sport and find a new sense of purpose. “Para-badminton gave me a way back,” Michael says. “It helped me rebuild confidence, find belonging, and become part of a community that accepts me for who I am.”

Michael is making history as Victoria’s first paid regional para-badminton coach, a milestone funded by Sport and Recreation Victoria's Regional All Abilities Grant. His leadership is helping shape the future of inclusive badminton programs and setting an example for what’s possible in regional sport.

Through the support of the Play and Lead Program, Michael Simpkins has taken a significant step forward in his para-badminton coaching career. The grant provided through the Play and Lead Program has allowed him to transition into a paid coaching role, enabling him to continue developing his skills and expanding his impact within the sport.

Michael will now be working with Badminton Geelong as a para-badminton coach, leading programs that create pathways for players with disabilities to participate and enjoy the sport. His appointment not only supports the growth of para-badminton in regional Victoria but also strengthens Badminton Geelong’s commitment to inclusion and community engagement.

“The grant has been a huge help, it’s allowed us to reach new communities,” he explains. “We’ve introduced para-badminton to people who had never tried it before, and it’s made the club more inclusive and forward-thinking.”

Looking to the future, Michael hopes to see para-badminton continue to grow across Victoria, with more clubs offering programs and inter-club competitions. “It would be great to see coaches, players, and volunteers from different regions come together to form community teams,” he says. “The more we connect, the stronger the sport will become.”

As both a player and coach, Michael remains committed to learning and sharing his knowledge. “My goal is to become a high-level para-badminton coach and mentor future athletes and coaches with disabilities,” he says. “It’s not about being praised for overcoming disability, it’s about achieving equality and showing that everyone deserves access to sport.”

With his dedication and leadership, Michael is helping to grow para-badminton into a sport that truly welcomes everyone.