Joe
The Edo Sports Commission, in collaboration with the Badminton Federation of Nigeria (BFN), recently organized a two-day badminton training program for games masters and mistresses in Uzarue, Etsako West Local Government Area of Edo State.
The training, held on February 27 and 28 at St. Angela’s Girls Grammar School, Uzarue, brought together 21 teachers and 84 students from 21 secondary schools across Etsako land, as well as schools from Igarra, Afuze, and Ikpeshi.
Aimed at fostering grassroots development in badminton, the initiative provided both teachers and students with the opportunity to learn the fundamentals of the sport simultaneously. The training covered theoretical aspects as well as hands-on practical sessions.
Three certified “Shuttle Time” trainers—Godswill Afejika, Olalekan Fajimiyo, and Blessing Osayomwanbo—conducted the sessions. Participants were introduced to essential techniques such as the shaped grip and thumb grip, along with practical drills involving balloon-assisted service and smashing exercises.
The second day of the program featured specialized sessions, with trainers focusing on technical aspects for games masters and mistresses, including officiating, game rules, safeguarding, and their role in promoting badminton within their schools. Meanwhile, students received further coaching on basic grips, strokes, footwork, and gameplay rules.
The training, sponsored by the Edo State Sports Commission and supported technically by the BFN, was powered by the Community Sport and Educational Development (CSED) Initiative. At the conclusion of the event, badminton equipment, including nets, rackets, and shuttlecocks, was distributed to the participating schools to aid continued practice and skill development.
Since assuming office, the current BFN board has actively engaged in attracting support from various organizations and sponsors to promote the sport among young players. Through partnerships with the CSED Initiative, BFN has organized “Shuttle Time” training and outreach programs across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones.
The success of this initiative highlights the potential of grassroots sports development when government agencies, sporting federations, and non-governmental organizations collaborate to enhance access to sports and build capacity among students and teachers.
The BFN’s efforts have also extended to vulnerable groups, including internally displaced persons (IDPs) and asylum seekers, setting a precedent for other sports federations to emulate.
