March 1, 2026
In 2025, the Tuvalu Badminton Federation (TBF) delivered a Shuttle Time programme specifically for primary and secondary schoolgirls as part of their national Shuttle Time programme.
The programme integrated female-specific education and character development with the Shuttle Time sessions to allow for personal development in and through badminton.
It was targeted at girls in primary and secondary schools, and provided regular participation in Shuttle Time at the only indoor sports facility, Niutao Hall in Funafuti. The programme provided a space for girls to learn how to play badminton through Shuttle Time in an environment that prioritised their needs. This included delivery by women Shuttle Time Teachers and was attended by girl students of the primary and secondary school level (forms 1-5) in Funafuti.
In addition to participation in badminton through Shuttle Time, there was a ‘sport for development’ component with guest speakers from several organisations joining the sessions to talk to the participants. Guest speakers at the sessions included the Fatu Lei Tuvalu Women for Change Association and the Tuvalu Police through the White Ribbon campaign. These discussions were on themes such as human rights, girls’ empowerment, gender-based violence, leadership and community involvement.
Reviving the Programme
After consistent delivery of Shuttle Time in Tuvalu between 2017 and 2022, there was a pause in delivery in 2023 and 2024.
To reactivate the Shuttle Time programme in the country, and to service an identified need, the Shuttle Time girls’ programme was launched with the support of Team Up and conducted through 2025.
It is hoped that the momentum built for Shuttle Time by this initial programme, particularly keeping in view gender equity, will boost interest and participation in badminton.
A Team Up Play for Equity Grant Tuvalu application to fund the Shuttle Time girls programme in 2026 has been submitted, with hope that the programme will continue.
Background
In October 2024, Fijian Shuttle Time Tutor Josefa Tarotaro delivered a Shuttle Time Teachers course in Funafuti to 21 participants including 11 women. This training was made possible through the TBF 2024 BWF MA Grant which covered the in-country costs of the course and flying the Tutor from Suva to Funafuti.
Shuttle Time and AirBadminton equipment was provided by Badminton Oceania in late 2024 to use for the Shuttle Time girls and broader school-based TBF Shuttle Time programme.
In late 2024, TBF had the opportunity to apply for the Australian Aid sport for development programme- Team Up Play for Equity Fund Tuvalu for 2025. This grant was for innovative and intersectional community initiatives to advance gender and disability justice through sport.
Future ambitions for Shuttle Time in Tuvalu are to expand delivery to the other seven islands in the country and begin delivering Shuttle Time festivals and AirBadminton competitions so that the Shuttle Time participants have events to train towards.
Response
“Badminton is about quick reflexes, good timing, and knowing where to place your shots. I also really enjoy that badminton is a social sport where you can have fun and get great exercise at the same time. I plan to keep playing even after the programme ends because it’s a great way to stay active and meet people. Badminton is an easy sport for women since it’s not a full-contact game. It’s light, fun, and helps bring women and girls together to enjoy the game and support each other.” – Leilani Sateko Melei (Shuttle Time Teacher)
