March 7, 2025
A recent Shuttle Time programme held in Senegal saw 50 participants from the military and police forces trained in the fundamentals of badminton.
The programme, a collaboration between the Senegal Badminton Federation (FESBAD) and the military and police forces of the country, was held at General Idrissa FALL Military Camp in Dakar on 22 and 23 February 2025. Also lending their expertise was the elite L’Institut National Supérieur de l’Education Populaire et du Sport (I.N.S.E.P.S).
The programme brought together police officers, military personnel and PE student teachers, which was in coordination with BWF’s Dakar 2026 Legacy Plan.
Among the 50 participants trained to become certified Shuttle Time Teachers were 20 women from the military. The women received gender-specific training and their training was praised by all the Presidents of other sports in Senegal.
This Shuttle Time programme has helped drive the number of trained badminton teachers, with the number rising to 340.
With Shuttle Time well received in Senegal, badminton is gaining ground in the country. The sport has experienced significant growth in recent years, thanks to recent initiatives like the hosting of the 2024 All Africa Under-19 Championships.
Dakar 2026 Legacy Plan
In December 2023, BWF set in motion a legacy plan for the Youth Olympic Games (YOG) in 2026.
The legacy plan revolved around increasing participation in all regions, enhancing human capacity (with more and better officials, administrators, teachers, tutors, and event managers), promoting badminton and fostering partnerships and sponsorships, and developing a sustainable player pathway.
BWF took tangible steps to kickstart the legacy plan that year. Four competition mats, 30 school kits, and consultancy support for drafting the strategic plan of the Senegalese Badminton Federation from 2024 to 2028 were provided.
The first-ever Olympic Games on African soil presents an unprecedented opportunity for BWF to spark the development of badminton not only in Senegal, but across the continent.
