World stage beckons for Pensilva badminton champion Nikki Welch

Nikki Welch has spent fourteen years perfecting her serve on a badminton court in Liskeard. That practice has now earned her an invitation to test herself on the biggest stage the sport has to offer. Nikki, 33, from Pensilva, has been invited to apply for a place at the next Special Olympics World Games, to be held in Santiago, Chile, in 2027.

Nikki is currently ranked number one in the South West and number three nationally, and she is the only Cornish Special Olympian who plays badminton around the UK, taking Cornwall’s colours to competitions well beyond the county’s borders.

Gold in Nottingham, and a tally like no other

The invitation follows a strong showing at the Special Olympics GB National Summer Games Badminton Competition in Nottingham, where Nikki won gold in the mixed doubles and bronze in both the singles and the ladies doubles. Those results take her career medal count to 71 gold, 5 silver and 2 bronze, 78 medals in total, built up over a career that has already seen her represent both Cornwall and England.

From isolation to an identity

Nikki has learning disabilities, and growing up presented plenty of challenges before she found her way to Oakwood Specialist College in Torpoint.

“Nikki didn’t fit into mainstream schools or colleges and had been isolated from other students due to her hyperactive behaviour,” said her adoptive dad, Roger Welch.

“At Oakwood she fitted in and the staff were amazing. They understood Nikki, accepted her for what she is, gave her an identity and introduced her to Special Olympics in Plymouth.”

Roger explained that football was tried first, but it was badminton that stuck. “Initially she played football but, when that didn’t work out, we moved her to Liskeard All Inclusive Badminton Club. She’s been playing there for 14 years and has represented Cornwall and England at national events.”

The GLL lifeline

For the last four years, Nikki has been selected as a GLL Sport Foundation (GSF) athlete, training in the gym at Liskeard Leisure Centre twice a week.

“GLL funds her membership, as well as giving her access to GLL leisure centres throughout the UK and other support services,” said Roger. “Badminton gives Nikki freedom to express herself, improves her concentration and helps her to focus. It’s turned her life around and we’re very grateful to everyone involved in making that happen.”

Operating under the Better brand, GLL is the charitable social enterprise that runs nine leisure centres in Cornwall on behalf of the council.

“Nikki’s badminton successes are amazing,” said Karen Edmond, GLL’s Community Sport Manager. “She’s a great character whose extraordinary achievements have won her widespread respect and admiration.”

GSF was first launched in 2008, and 178 Cornwall-based athletes have been selected for funding in 2026, the highest number yet. Applications for 2027 GSF awards open on 20 December 2026.

Getting Nikki to Chile

A place at a World Games does not come free, and a GoFundMe page has been set up to help with the cost of Nikki playing in Santiago. For now, Nikki is back on court at Liskeard, working on the shots that got her this far.