As continuation of its legacy-building efforts in Malaysia, BWF had conducted a coaching clinic for 30 children from two orphanages at Tunku Abdul Rahman University of Management & Technology (TARUMT), Kuala Lumpur.
The project, held on 23 June, was part of its CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) outreach and in conjunction with World Badminton Day (5 July 2023), and was conducted by eight volunteer coaches, including three BWF staff.
Ten children (four girls and six boys) from Buku Jalanan Chow Kit and 20 children (10 girls and 10 boys) from Rumah Kasih Harmoni attended the clinic. The young participants were aged between 10 and 19. Fuzi Magic Goodwill Society helped coordinate the clinic.
The clinic in progress.
Lee Chia Wen, BWF staff who has been part of the BWF CSR coaching workforce since 2022, led the volunteer coaching team, which consisted of Tracy Tan, Rachel Wee (both BWF staff), Ryan Giam, Reneasha, Mac Lim, Leong Kye Yeet and Madeline Yap.
The young participants were thrilled with the programme.
One of them, Lutfi, said: “Through this coaching clinic I had the opportunity to play badminton like a proper player. I feel that my time was well spent by learning badminton from experienced coaches.”
Speaking about her experience as volunteer coach, Lee said: “Teaching children comes with its challenges as their attention spans are usually shorter compared to adults. So I needed to come out with something, for example, to make them curious about what’s up next, which would help me to maintain the engagement with the kids.”
The volunteer team with the participants.
Tan observed that “as the session progressed, some of the kids, especially the boys, tended to step out of their comfort zones and engage in the activities we prepared for them”.
For Lee, the significance of the clinic was in “turning my position from receiver to giver. This is the art of give and take, which truly brings meaning and purpose to our existence. I’m grateful for this opportunity to at least contribute a little back to my alma mater.”
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