The International Olympic Committee’s ‘Let’s Move’ campaign for Olympic Day serves as a vibrant reminder of the transformative power of sports and physical activity.
Physical activity plays a vital role in our overall wellbeing. Regular exercise improves cardiovascular health, strengthens muscles and bones, and enhances flexibility and coordination. Engaging in activities like badminton not only boosts your physical fitness but also contributes to your mental and emotional wellbeing.
BWF’s Shuttle Time activation events aim to inspire individuals of all ages and backgrounds to embrace movement and experience the joy of playing a dynamic and inclusive sport.
Here’s a look at some of our top success stories in incorporating the ‘Let’s Move’ theme.
Over 25,000 children have been actively engaged in Shuttle Time activities in Senegal.
Senegal
Since 2020, the Comite National de Promotion du Badminton Au Senegal (CNPB Senegal) has delivered seven Shuttle Time Teachers Courses, training 155 teachers, thus engaging 25,748 children in Shuttle Time activities.
The Senegalese Member Association also delivered a BWF Shuttle Time Tutors Course and a two-day BWF Shuttle Time Teachers Course through BCA Development Officer Bernadin Bokpe in Dakar, further encouraging others to get moving.
Both courses were intended for physical education (PE) teachers, club badminton coaches and Special Olympics coaches. Thirty-four people from various parts of Senegal took part.
All the students were highly motivated and interested in using the Shuttle Time resources to advance badminton throughout the courses. Fourteen received their certification as BWF Shuttle Time Teachers and Tutors at the conclusion of the programmes.
“By launching the Shuttle Time Courses for tutors and teachers, BWF and the Badminton Confederation of Africa gave us the opportunity to popularise this sport throughout Senegal,” said CNPB Senegal President Antoine Jean Joseph Diandy.
Diandy also commended the work being done in Senegal to develop badminton at a national event, as the country prepares to host the 2026 Youth Olympic Games.
“Teachers from the regions challenged each other to teach badminton in a fun way. We intend to give every child in Senegal the opportunity to practice. We thank BWF and BCA for the support and Senegal remains available for other training challenges.”
Papua New Guinea
Across the continent in Papua New Guinea, Shuttle Time Teaching Courses continue to break new ground, with 16 successfully delivered and over 311 teachers trained since 2017, engaging 3,405 children into actively playing badminton.
The Oceania country has two players competing at the ongoing Special Olympics World Games Berlin 2023, bringing with them, John Ma’a, a certified Shuttle Time Teacher involved in several Shuttle Time initiatives back home.
Participating in Shuttle Time and the ‘Let’s Move’ campaign goes beyond the realm of physical fitness. It fosters a sense of community, encourages teamwork and promotes healthy competition.
By taking part in badminton and other physical activities, children can develop essential life skills such as discipline and resilience. These qualities not only benefit us individually but also contribute to building a more harmonious and cohesive society.
So pick up your rackets and let Shuttle Time activities ignite your passion for movement and inspire us all to become healthier, happier individuals.
Let’s move, let’s play and let’s celebrate the magic of movement this Olympic Day.
Papua New Guinea is one of BWF’s top success stories in incorporating the ‘Let’s Move’ theme.
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