Smash Hits - Member Renewals

Dear Members,

Many thanks to State/Territory Associations for co-operating with the Badminton Australia request for insurance and membership data during the previous month. There are collective efforts to progress towards the Australian Sports Commission's Participation Category C of >100,000 participants and >15,000 active members, a goal now reachable in the early stages of the 2017-2018 financial year.

Whilst sport participation is typically associated with school and youth based programs, it is important to note there is a contingent of over 230 Australian-based badminton players participating at the World Masters Games in New Zealand this week. We also encourage all mature-aged participants to register for the Australian Masters Games in Tasmania from 21-28 October.

Shuttle Time Teacher Courses have been in full swing in April in Adelaide, Alice Springs, Darwin, Melbourne, whilst more are scheduled in Sydney, Melbourne and the Gold Coast for May. Congratulations to MLC School and Playball Goulburn Valley for participating in the Shuttle Time competition. They win a badminton set as a result of reporting on their Shuttle Time activities. Meanwhile, Badminton World Federation are seeking feedback from people who have attended Shuttle Time courses. Click through to the survey here.

Badminton Australia recorded a total of 74 Sporting Schools program bookings in Term 1. Details of these bookings have been emailed to all State/Territory Association contacts for further analysis and/or follow-up.

Whilst on the topic of junior sport, Play By The Rules has developed a free toolkit to help stop poor sideline behaviour called "Let Kids be Kids". Watch what kids have to say about the impact - http://playbytherules.net.au/let-kids-be-kids

Ian Bridge (WA) has recently been appointed the national para-badminton coach, with his first official task to attend the 2017 Thailand Para-Badminton International with 7 players. This is a stepping stone toward building a performance program in Australia. We also acknowledge the support Badminton Oceania for supporting the players attending this event. Ian and I are available to assist in building para-badminton strategies and delivering para-badminton education workshops in your State/Territory.

Finally, the Sudirman Cup (21-28 May) is fast approaching. Hope to see many of you and your members at the event. A reminder that tickets can be purchased via Ticketek.

In other news: Badminton's growth

Regards, Marianne Loh Participation Manager Badminton Australia