The Badminton World Federation has collaborated with Special Olympics for the first time, supporting Special Olympics Europe and Eurasia’s (SOEE) recent seminar for badminton coaches.
Sixteen coaches from across the continent attended the 10-13 April programme in Broendby, Denmark, at which they received coach-education materials and Shuttle Time resources from BWF’s Development Department. Additionally, one of the BWF’s top trainers, Joann Hughes of the UK, was sent to conduct the sessions.
“Participants got the most professional course and they were given memory sticks with all the course materials. We are very thankful for BWF’s support,” said SOEE Sports Director, Mariusz Damentko.
BWF’s support was bolstered by the presence of the international federation’s president, Poul-Erik Høyer; the first time a president of any sport federation has attended a SOEE workshop.
“We really appreciated having BWF President, Mr. Poul-Erik Høyer, with us for the practical segment and we were also greatly supported by the European confederation represented by its Secretary General, Brian Agerbak (above; fourth right), and other officials.”
Damentko also thanked Badminton Denmark for helping Special Olympics Denmark to provide the necessary sports equipment.
Coaches from Austria, Belgium, Britain, Denmark, Germany, Hungary, Ireland, Isle of Man, Latvia, Netherlands and Russia participated in the seminar which followed the signing of a partnership protocol between SOEE and Badminton Europe in February this year.
“This is BWF’s first initiative of any kind with Special Olympics. We provided Joann Hughes as a trainer and we are pleased everything went well. We look forward to future opportunities to promote badminton within the Special Olympics community,” said BWF Development Director, Ian Wright.
BWF home page and above: BWF President Poul-Erik Høyer (centre) with European badminton coaches at the recent SOEE seminar.
Text by Gayle Alleyne | BWF
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