On Saturday 21st July, a sell out crowd of nearly 500 spectators excitedly joined Active Nation to watch Olympians Gail Emms MBE, Nathan Robertson and Donna Kellogg MBE join Team GB stars Peter Mills and Jenny Wallwork on court for an incredible international exhibition match against the Australian Olympic squad.

The event, which took place at Etwall Leisure Centre in South Derbyshire, was organised by the Derbyshire Management Group for the 2012 Games, with representatives from Active Nation, South Derbyshire District Council, Derbyshire Badminton Association, the University of Derby and Derbyshire Sport.

The GB All Stars team, put together by former GB Badminton Performance Director Andy Wood, saw the reunion of the Athens 2004 Olympic silver medal winning partnership of Gail Emms and Nathan Robertson. The GB pair led a thrilling 3 - 0 win over the Australian pairings, who used the match as preparation for the Olympics.

The event also saw GB's Nathan Robertson and Peter Mills face Australian men's doubles duo Ross Smith and Glenn Warfe, with each team winning a set a piece before Robertson and Mills snatched a win in the third set shoot out.

Whilst two-time Olympian Donna Kellogg, who represented Great Britain at the 2004 and 2008 Olympics, teamed up with Jenny Wallwork for the women's doubles, and the pair fought hard to win their match against Australia's Leanne Choo and Renuga Veeran 2 - 0.

In addition to three competitive matches, the exhibition tournament included off court action such as smash and accuracy activities, presentations and an autograph session.

Through her twitter account, Gail Emms MBE added "Had fun playing badminton last night in Derby!  The Emms/ Robertson partnership was back for an exhibition match versus the Australia Olympic team – and we won!"

David Johns, Contract Manager for Active Nation said "It's been incredible for Active Nation to host this event and be part of the Australian and Canadian Olympic Badminton squad preparations. The crowd and the atmosphere were sensational."

David Joy, Director of Derbyshire Sport and a member of the Derbyshire 2012 Management Group, said: "It is a fantastic endorsement for sport in Derbyshire that Badminton Canada and Badminton Australia have chosen to send their Olympic teams to Derbyshire for their preparations for the Games."

The event was part of a week-long pre-Games training camp for the Australian Olympic badminton team in South Derbyshire, and gave the players the chance to take part in a series of friendly competitive matches ahead of the 2012 Games where Australia will have representatives in the men's and women's doubles as well as the ladies singles.