World Badminton Day: Raising A Racket With Underprivileged Children

August 1, 2024

World Badminton Day (05 July every year) celebrations began early in Malaysia with BWF and its partners initiating two coaching clinics for underprivileged children in Kuala Lumpur.

On 22 June, IGB Commercial REIT (IGBCR) and BWF hosted 70 underprivileged children from Ti-Ratana and Yayasan Sunbeams Home, bringing together 18 enthusiastic IGBCR volunteers, guided by 10 certified BWF Shuttle Time teachers and coaches.

Six interactive stations were set up for children from six to 18 years to have a fun badminton experience. The lessons covered key elements such as grip, net drills, shuttlecock control, and movement skills.

BWF Development Director Ian Wright said: “Our goal is to make badminton an inclusive sport and it was truly rewarding seeing a large number of children actively participating and having fun together through the curated interactive lessons.

“This coaching clinic is not just about teaching racket skills and net play. It is also about creating a safe and encouraging space where children of all ages and abilities can successfully develop badminton skills and a chance to develop physical and social skills.”

Walter Gan, an 11-year-old from Sunbeams Home, echoed the sentiment. “I had so much fun! I can’t wait to practise with my friends. Thank you for giving us this opportunity.”

The following weekend, BWF and its Southeast Asia partner Haier, with the help of Rotaract Club of Petaling Jaya and Tunku Abdul Rahman University of Management & Technology (TARUMT), kicked off official World Badminton Day activities in style, utilising BWF’s flagship programme Shuttle Time for an interactive coaching clinic.

Two homes were invited, Shelter Children Home and Praise Emmanuel Children’s Home, with 33 underprivileged children taking to the courts.

The activity started with a 15-minutes simple warm up with a demonstration from coaches and volunteers, followed by station activities such as throwing games, keep your court free, scissor jump with overhead racket swing, balloon tap, net play with lunges and drive rally games. Then, a short match was played between the children to introduce them to the badminton scoring system.

At the end of the activity, each home received a certificate of appreciation along with a badminton school kit and portable net.

Pastor Isaac Siva, caregiver from Praise Emmanuel Children’s Home said: “The joy and enthusiasm of the children was truly heartwarming, and we are deeply grateful for this opportunity that brought so much excitement and inspiration to their lives.”

Managing Director of Haier Malaysia, Fan Jing said: “We are happy to be partnering BWF for this World Badminton Day initiative and this is one of the many ways to foster unity, promote a healthy lifestyle and unearth the next badminton hero in Malaysia.”