Workshop paves way for para-athletes to play badminton

By ISAAC LIRI
PARA-athletes in Papua New Guinea can now look forward to playing badminton.
This was discussed during an introductory para-badminton workshop at the Taurama Aquatic and Indoor Centre in Port Moresby this week.
Many potential athletes came from disability centres in Port Moresby and villages such as Hanuabada and Gereka.
Badminton Oceania coach Ian Bridge facilitated the workshop.
Prior to coming to PNG, Bridge ran a similar workshop in Fiji.
He spoke of Badminton Oceania’s vision to involve para-athletes in the sport.
“In Oceania, we’re keen to promote it to all the countries in the Pacific Islands outside of Australia and New Zealand,” Bridge said.
“Introducing it to PNG is important because there are plenty of people out there with disabilities who can play badminton.
“With Badminton Oceania, there is a pathway locally, nationally and internationally for those who wish to take it actively.
“Para-badminton is growing daily around the world.
“It has evolved a great deal since it was announced that the sport was going to be played at the 2020 Paralympics in Tokyo, Japan.
“The standards of the athletes around the world are really high to qualify for the Paralympics.
“This workshop has opened the eyes of PNG’s para-athletes to the world of badminton
“The key is realising what the game is about.”
Bridge believes there is a way to develop more effective programmes for para-badminton in the Pacific Islands.
He said the progress of para-badminton athletes in the country would be monitored by PNG Badminton, which president Kinivanagi Karo heads.
Karo said they would establish programmes and competitions for para-athletes to compete in the sport.