Video: Aaron Simmons On Island Games [Written by Stephen Wright] Aaron Simmons is on a mission – not just to elevate his own game, but to put Bermuda badminton on the map and inspire a new generation of players. The 23-year-old is among a team of seven athletes – Danial Hughes, Aaron Simmons, Rishi Gadimwale, Jin Sun, Desi Darrell, Emma Moran-Lee, See Ju Chua and Somers Stevenson – representing Bermuda at the International Island Games, which start today [July 12]. With dreams of turning professional, Simmons is balancing elite ambitions with the demands of his day job as a firefighter, training at the BAA Gymnasium while saving up for overseas competitions and coaching. His dedication recently took him to England, where he earned third-place finishes in two Tier Four tournaments under the guidance of Bermuda team manager Rebecca Pantaney, a former England international. Aaron Simmons, the Island's top badminton player, hopes to become a trailblazer for the sport locally. He is competing at the International Island Games in Orkney, Scotland pic.twitter.com/cT1OmDKhR3 — BernewsSports (@BernewsSports) July 12, 2025 “My ambition is to be a badminton trailblazer for Bermuda and show this is a proper sport,” Simmons told Bernews. “Regardless of your background, you can go far in this sport – that’s my goal.” Simmons first picked up a racket at West Pembroke Primary School and has since developed a fierce commitment to the sport. However, his journey has not been without hurdles. With the Bermuda Badminton Association yet to gain recognition as a national sports governing body, Simmons has been unable to access government funding – making sponsorship a critical need. “I need help to get to the next level and achieve my goals,” he said. “I want to show there’s more to Bermuda sport than just football and cricket. “We have other athletes in other sports who can make it to the top, too.” As for his goals in Orkney, Simmons is focused on growth and self-improvement at his third Island Games, having previously competed in Gibraltar in 2019 and Guernsey in 2022. “I’m looking to learn about my game and what I need to improve on, not just for the next tournament but for myself as a player,” said Simmons, who will be in action today in the men’s team event against Orkney and the Isle of Man. “This is my third Island Games – it’s been a big learning curve. “I see myself as a future medal-winner – I’m looking to do that before I retire. “The highlights for me have been meeting people from all over the world, and getting results in places I never thought I’d get results in. “I’m very grateful and proud to be representing Bermuda.” #Badminton #IslandGames #SportsVideos #StephenWrightReports Category: All, Sports