Smash Hits - Stand Out From The Crowd

Dear Members,

As we are in the second quarter of 2016, I reflect on how far Badminton Australia has progressed in its strategic initiatives around Participation, how much more we can all improve and do together. It is energising and refreshing to hear positive and transformative actions taken by Members across the country. I encourage questions, comments and feedback on how I can work with you better! Here are some highlights:

Sporting Schools: We have seen our highest participation rates across the country so far, with almost 2000 students partaking in badminton programs from just under 40 schools in Term 1. Badminton is also meeting around 47% of the demand, which remains consistent with previous terms. This percentage is due to grow as we will have many more Private Providers trained and endorsed to deliver badminton. All State/Territory Member Associations have been sent updated documentation and request for information on Sporting Schools programs. Please let me know if you have not received this because there is a call to action that you will not want to miss for Term 2!

Strategic Plans: I trust everyone has had a chance to absorb Badminton Australia's Participation Framework, thanks to the Members' brainstorming at the Participation Forum last year. We are well underway in implementing many of the strategies, and for those that have signed a Sport Participation Agreement with Badminton Australia, I look forward to catching up with you between April and May, on how your initiatives have progressed, with any updated Strategic Plans submitted to Badminton Australia by July 2016. If you're still stuck on getting started...look to your image on the RIGHT!

Shuttle Time: Looking forward to hearing from SA, VIC, WA on locking in dates for their Shuttle Time Teachers Courses this Term...don't be shy...let the world know! Badminton NSW will hold a Level 1A coaching course on 23-24 April, while Badminton VIC have scheduled a Level 1 coaching course on 28 May.

Para-Badminton: 18 people (plus 5 para-athletes) from 5 countries attended the inaugural Oceania Para-Badminton Workshop, held at Melbourne Sports and Aquatic Centre from 8-11 April. This successful workshop was delivered by BWF Development Manager, John Shearer. Many thanks to Oceania Badminton for the support - you can access workshop photos here. We look forward to an exciting period as we embark on developing para-badminton from participation through to Paralympic representation. On that note, a Paralympics Talent ID session for Tokyo 2020 has been organised for many sports and the athlete registration process can be found here.

I would also like to wish Peter Roberts (State Director of Badminton VIC) all the best as he will be moving on to take up the role of Sports Manager for the 2017 Sudirman Cup & Badminton Manager for the 2018 Commonwealth Games.

In other news: XMABO hits schools Disrupt the status quo Business planning Please continue to share programs and events in your States/Territories as they become available, to grow the sport profile and increase our abilty to provide support and share knowledge where possible.