The COVID-19 pandemic heavily impacted badminton activities in the Caribbean countries.
This year, the Barbados Badminton Association (BBA) restarted the Shuttle Time Schools Programme – its first since the Shuttle Time Teachers Course in 2015 – to mark its return to the sport.
Shuttle Time has presented itself as a wonderful tool to promote badminton at the grassroot level, providing the first entry for children to experience the sport in a safe, fun and inclusive way. As part of its development strategy, BBA’s aim in the relaunch was to increase the participation of children and youth in badminton.
On 7 July, Shuttle Time activities were delivered at the local badminton club in the Wildey Sports Complex, Bridgetown. A total of 24 children aged between five and 15 participated in the fun lessons alongside members of the federation, Physical Education teachers and parents.
The launch was a success with a lot of positive interaction between the participants, who were all eager to be active again after badminton was suspended for two years.
Shuttle Time Coordinator of Barbados Caroline Vaughn, said: “Using Shuttle Time in our schools’ day-to-day activities is a great way to increase the number of students actively trying the sport. The teachers who attended are eager to have Shuttle Time as part of their PE classes for the upcoming school year.”
The Shuttle Time launch is another great initiative that follows the BWF-IPC Para Badminton Technical Workshop delivered at the Garfield Sobers Sports Complex in April.
