TEXT BY BWF
An AirBadminton Activation was held for the first time during the 2022 Special Olympics USA Games in Orlando from 4-8 June, with the aim of growing badminton in the country and making it a permanent fixture of the multi-sport event.
A total of 5,500 athletes and coaches from 63 delegations took part in the activity, a collaboration between Special Olympics North America, Special Olympics International, USA Badminton, Badminton Pan American Confederation and Badminton World Federation.
Featured as a “come and try” activity in the Athletes Village at Disney’s All-Star Sports Resort, an outdoor space was allocated for participants to try AirBadminton. Exhibition matches of 3 vs 3, 2 vs 2 and 1 vs 1 took place, where AirShuttle 2.0 was used. It performed well in wind and rain.
As part of the event’s legacy, AirShuttles, rackets and AirBadminton equipment were donated to Florida, Texas, New York and a representative of the Bahamas.
It was great to see the sport bringing people together, reinforcing the motto that AirBadminton can be played anywhere, anytime and by anyone. It also helped bring more awareness of the outdoor game to USA and the USA Special Olympics Games family.
Feedback indicates participants and local authorities are now looking forward to having badminton on the programme of the 2024 Special Olympics USA Games in Minnesota.
