Badminton roadshow in PNG for enthusiasts

THE PNG Sport Federation and Olympic Committee and the Oceania Badminton Confederation (OBC) are pleased to support the establishment of a PNG National Badminton Federation.
OBC development manager Nadia Bleaken will be in PNG from next Wednesday to conduct a week-long roadshow aimed at establishing a national federation.
Bleaken will also be strengthening and creating badminton clubs and introducing the sport to local schools.
“We hope to target schools for the inclusion of badminton in their physical education programmes, as well as creating clubs to enable friendly competition and physical enjoyment,” she said. The roadshow will provide a chance for badminton in PNG to receive equipment and training support. 
Badminton is an Olympic and Commonwealth Games sport with five events. It is also on the Pacific Games programme as an optional sport.
It is the fifth most popular sport in the world and is the fastest racquet sport with one serve recorded at 421km/hr.
It can be played by one or two opposing players on rectangular court divided by a net and is one of the few sports where men and women can play together.
Bleaken said she was excited to come to PNG for the roadshow.
“Almost anyone can play badminton, whether they are three or 87 years old.
It is a game that can be played at any speed and skill or fitness level and is extremely social, with couples, families or friends able to play together.
“I hope to meet as many badminton players as possible while I am in PNG,” she said.
She said interested people, whether recreational players, former competitors, or coaches, who are keen to see the sport grow in PNG, are invited for the roadshow.
More information can be obtained from Loretta Hasu or Andrew Lepani at the PNGSFOC on 323 0114, 325 1411, 323 0108, 7100 1063.