2022 Athlete Travel Award Scheme Profile – Rebecca Reid

This year 11 local athletes are benefiting from the sportscotland Athlete Travel Award Scheme (ATAS). The Scheme is an ongoing partnership between sportscotland and the participating local authorities in Highlands & Islands - Orkney Islands, Western Isles, Shetland Islands and Highlands Councils.

Orkney Islands Council is extremely grateful to also have a partnership with Stagecoach which allows us to enhance and extend our programme in Orkney.

Name: Rebecca Reid 

Age: 29 

Sport: Badminton 

Chosen Field: Singles, Level Doubles, Mixed Doubles 

What inspired you to take up the sport? 

I tried out different sports when I was younger and stumbled across badminton when I was 8. I started going along to junior sessions with friends/my brother. I wasn’t instantly hooked but over the next few years my enjoyment grew. My family supported my commitment to badminton and helped me develop in the sport as I got older. My first island games in 2009 was an eye-opening experience and my first real taste of high-level competition which definitely motivated me to train rather than just ‘play’. I think badminton is such an inclusive sport and it is great to see a wide range of players from different ages, backgrounds and abilities playing locally.

Best achievement this ATAS year? 

I was delighted to be selected to captain the Scottish team at the 4 Nations Graded International in Wales in July. The start of this badminton season has seen me reach my highest ever Scottish National rankings across all 3 disciplines; Singles 17^th, Doubles 19^th and Mixed 11^th, and I look forward to trying to improve this further.

What does ATAS support mean to you? 

The ATAS provides a fantastic opportunity to develop as an athlete, that otherwise would be heavily restricted by living in Orkney. I am incredibly grateful for the support from OIC, Sportscotland & Stagecoach as part of the ATAS scheme, along with support from the Picky Centre and NorthLink Ferries to allow me to travel and compete at high level events off island to gain experience looking towards my goal of medalling at an Island Games. Being part of the ATAS has also given me access to workshops alongside the PDP scheme which have benefitted my training.