Ramsbottom badminton star is a smash hit at National Dwarf Games (From Lancashire Telegraph)

Ramsbottom badminton star is a smash hit at National Dwarf Games

9:00pm Thursday 20th September 2012 in News By Chris Adams

A BOY struck gold by winning a national badminton title.

Matthew, who has dwarfism, took the top prize in his class at the Welsh leg of the Four Nations Para-badminton competition in Cardiff.

He can add that gold medal to an impressive haul that also includes swmming and athletics medals from the National Dwarf Games in 2009.

Matthew’s proud dad David says he can hardly keep up with his son’s array of sporting interests.

David said: “I’ve told him that sooner or later he might have to choose which one he’s going to concentrate on.

“He’s a real all-rounder and the whole family are very proud of him.

“He missed the Scottish leg of the Four Nations as he was having surgery on his legs, but came second in the English competition in Nottingham in May. We’re going to Belfast in November and hopefully next year we’ll be going to Michigan for the World Dwarf Games.”

Matthew, 12, of Manchester Road, Ramsbottom, was diagnosed with the growth-limiting condition achondroplasia at six months old.

The Woodhey High School pupil had to take time out from one of his matches to watch his pal Ellie Simmonds claim gold in the London Paralympics.

David said: “We’ve know Ellie for a long time and Matthew really enjoyed the whole Games. He knows a lot of people who were taking part having competed against them down the years and maybe one day that will be him.”

Para-badminton is not yet a Paralympic event but David is pressing to get it included for the Rio de Janeiro games in 2016.

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