A Shuttle Time Teachers course and Shuttle Time activity sought to introduce badminton to children and young people in Gambia, providing them with basic skills, knowledge and opportunities to engage in the sport.
The activity focused on making badminton accessible to all, regardless of background or resources, fostering a love for the game while promoting physical activity, teamwork, and personal development.
Through these activities, Shuttle Time seeks to inspire the next generation of athletes and encouraging lifelong participation in sports.
Held in Banjul in Gambia from August 27 to 31, the activity started with a Shuttle Time Teachers course for 12 teachers, including three women. This was followed by training sessions for two days to work on their technical skills.
A one-day Shuttle Time activity for 30 children aged between five and 16 was also held in a fun, entertaining and inclusive atmosphere.
The activity was well received by both teachers and children. Teachers reported that they appreciated the comprehensive training, which enhanced their skills and gave them the confidence to introduce the new sport to their students.
Abdoulie Ceesay, President of the Gambia Badminton Federation, said: “Shuttle Time has been a game-changer for badminton in Gambia. It has provided us with the tools to introduce the sport to young people across the country, regardless of their background or resources. This programme is paving the way for a brighter future for badminton in Gambia.”
To date, the Shuttle Time programme has successfully reached a growing number of schools across Gambia, creating a ripple effect in the community. The programme has laid the groundwork for sustainable sports education in Gambia, with the potential to discover and nurture future badminton talents.
A representative from the National Olympic Committee said: “By bringing badminton into schools, we are not only nurturing future athletes but also fostering discipline, teamwork, and a love for sports that will benefit our society as a whole.”
An official from the Ministry of Sports stated the support of the ministry towards the initiative: “The implementation of Shuttle Time in Gambia is a significant step towards broadening the scope of sports education in our country. This programme empowers teachers and engages children, and has the potential to identify and develop the next generation of Gambian sports stars. We fully support this initiative and look forward to seeing its positive impact on our communities.”
