21 Aug 2022

Botswana Badminton Association (BBA) is rolling out the Shuttle Time programme to revive the sport in schools.

The programme gives teachers access to free training and equipment for children aged 6-15 years.

Recently, the association held a two-day workshop in Maun to equip players, coaches and those interested in the sport with skills as well as to introduce the Shuttle Time programme In an interview, the association technical director, Emmanuel Seokamo, said the development of badminton was slow, hence the Shuttle Time programme.

The programme, he said, was initiated by Badminton World Federation to make badminton a popular sport in schools.

Seokamo expressed optimism that the programme would gain momentum in primary schools.

Schools as well as registered and new clubs, he said, would be assisted with equipment to advance the game.

He said efforts were ongoing to engage relevant authorities to consider incorporating Shuttle Time programme into primary schools’ syllabus.

The programme, Seokamo said, was designed to ensure that pupils were physically active throughout the duration of a lesson as it was made up of series of resources such as teachers’ manual, lesson plans and supporting video clips.

The programme had potential to take badminton to greater heights, he said.

Seokamo also stated that the association had signed a memorandum of agreement with some private schools to grow the sport. Ends