UZARUE, Etsako West – In a major push to promote grassroots sports development, the Edo Sports Commission and the Badminton Federation of Nigeria (BFN) hosted a two-day training event for game masters/mistresses on 27–28 February 2025.
The training, held 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 participants from Igarra, Afuze, and Ikpeshi.
The initiative is notable for its unique approach—providing both teachers and students with the opportunity to learn the fundamentals of badminton simultaneously. The programme combined theoretical lessons with practical sessions, emphasising the basics of the sport.
Three certified “Shuttle Time” trainers, Godswill Afejika, Olalekan Fajimiyo, and Blessing Osayomwanbo, led the sessions. Participants were introduced to essential techniques such as the shaped grip and the thumb grip and engaged in drills using balloons for services and smashing exercises.
On the second day, the training took a more specialised turn. The game masters/mistresses participated in a technical session covering the intricacies of officiating, the rules of the game, safeguarding protocols, and their pivotal role in developing badminton within their schools.
Meanwhile, the students honed their practical skills, focusing on basic grips, strokes, footwork, and game rules through engaging, balloon-assisted drills.
Bankrolled by the Edo State Sports Commission and technically supported by the BFN, the event was powered by the Community Sport and Educational Development (CSED) Initiative.
At the conclusion of the training, free basic badminton equipment—including nets, rackets, and shuttlecocks—was distributed to the 21 schools, further encouraging ongoing practice and skill development.
Officials from both organisations highlighted the collaborative nature of the event. They emphasised that the training was a testament to what can be achieved when government agencies, sporting bodies, NGOs, and private partners join forces to foster sports at the grassroots level.
Since the current BFN Board Members assumed office, they have actively pursued partnerships and sponsorships to attract new and young players through initiatives such as “Shuttle Time” and outreach training across Nigeria’s six geo-political zones.
The federation has also extended its efforts to at-risk groups, including internally displaced persons and asylum seekers, setting a benchmark for sports development nationwide.
The success of the Uzarue training event is expected to inspire similar initiatives in other sports, showcasing how community-based programmes can build capacity among teachers and students while nurturing the next generation of badminton talent in Nigeria.