Smash Hits - Energising Games

Dear Members,

The 21st Commonwealth Games have come and gone - we witnessed some spectacular action on the badminton courts at the Carrara Sports and Leisure Centre where India made history by winning its first Mixed Team Gold Medal and became the 3rd country to ever do it in Games history aside from Malaysia and England, who took out the silver and bronze at 'GC2018BADMINTON'.

Aside from the action, all staff, officials and volunteer (Games Shapers) delivered a wonderful and memorable experience. The two week event has energised many people, and brought new vigour to volunteering. Badminton also won over plenty of new fans - we received many positive social media messages (eg. badminton was their "new favourite sport"), and this email: "After witnessing the badminton at the commonwealth games and how exciting it is, we definitely need this at our school. Can you let me know how this can occur". Great opportunities to market badminton programs to the community on the back of this inspirational event.

Whilst the Commonwealth Games was on, Caitlin Dransfield (WA) represented Australia at the Dubai Para-Badminton International. She progressed to the quarter-finals of the Women's Singles and Mixed Doubles. Next stop is the Irish Para-Badminton International where Caitlin and Celine Vinot (VIC) have been entered. Currently, National Para-Badminton Coach Ian Bridge is at the Uganda Para-Badminton International delivering a BWF Para-Badminton Coaching Course.

A quick update on national database - BA can now view member data from Badminton Victoria and NT Badminton. It would be appreciated if all other Member States/Territories could provide an update on their progress and any challenges they are facing with importing into revolutioniseSPORT. In Shuttle Time News, courses in NSW, SA, and VIC have seen us certify over 50 people to date. Note, Shuttle Time is a key program which underpins the success of badminton participation across Australia, and enables BA to fund and assist in other program areas.

Sporting Schools continues to be a hit for badminton. Initial reports show that badminton met 88% of demand (61/69), with most programs being delivered in WA. As the program has just been extended to secondary schools, badminton has received a total of 58 bookings at the beginning of Term 2, 8 of which are secondary schools. With an extension of work by Members in the regional areas, we are also reaching new communities such as this one in the Northern Territory.

As usual, please do not hesitate to reach out to me if you have any queries.

Regards, Marianne Loh Participation Manager Badminton Australia