By Eric Ojo
Community Sports and Educational Development (CSED) Initiative in conjunction with the Edo State Badminton Association, the Badminton Federation (BFN) of Nigeria and Edo State Sports Commission, has hosted the maiden World Badminton Federation (WBF) Badminton Shuttle Time training in the state.
CSED Initiative is a sport for change Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO) with a mission to use Nigerian children and youth participating in sports related activities to promote literacy and their social well-being. Its primary goal is to develop well balanced future sports men and women.
The NGO also aims at using sports to empower young persons to fulfil their potentials and achieve their dream of earning a living, while representing Nigeria in international sporting competitions.
Shuttle Time is a grassroots badminton programme that is designed by the BWF with the aim of introducing badminton to school students and the wider community.
Notably, a major feature of the training is the use of small balloons to teach the participants hand-eye coordination.
This unique training programme provides students, teachers and community leaders the opportunity to learn the basics of the game together, in a fun-filled environment.
The two-day event which was held at the indoor Sports Complex Etete in Benin City, was attended by 27 Physical Education (P.E.) teachers and 54 primary and secondary school students in the state.
Powered by CSED Initiative, the training was facilitated by the Shuttle Time Coordinator for Nigeria, Taju Suleiman. He was supported by coaches Olalekan Oteghekpen Fajimiyo and Osayomwanbo Blessing Ehiorobo of the Edo State Sports Commission.
The vice-chairman of Edo State Badminton Federation, Mrs. Amaka Onwuka represented the chairman of Edo State Badminton Association, Mr. Onome Obruthe. The chairman of the Edo State Sports Commission was also represented by Mrs Lilet Oyebade, the Secretary of Edo State Badminton Association.
At the end of the training, Mrs. Onwuka presented 100 badminton rackets, 20 badminton nets and some badminton shuttlecocks to the teachers, which they are expected to using in introducing badminton to their students in their respective schools.
She urged the teachers and students to make good use of the badminton equipment that was freely provided by CSED Initiative, as part of their two years’ grassroots development partnership with the Badminton Federation of Nigeria.