The Guyana Badminton Association (GBA) continued its countrywide outreach programme as they ventured into the schools in Regions Five and Six recently.
As part of the Shuttletime programme, racquets, shuttles and nets were donated to several schools in the ancient county including Berbice High, New Amsterdam Secondary and Fort Wellington while Airbadminton was introduced to the Berbice Educational Institute.
The equipment was handed over to the principals and physical education teachers by senior badminton players Priyanna Ramdhani and Akili Haynes who did an exhibition match to show the students a few tips and techniques.
According to a release from the body, two years ago, under the guidance of the late president, Gokarn Ramdhani, pupils of New Amsterdam Secondary and Berbice High were introduced to the sport and since then, there has been significant improvements by a number of players enjoying the sport.
“It is very delightful to see this, the enthusiasm shown by the students was every bit of encouraging and heartening, to see them play for the love of the sport,” physical education teacher, Zahir Moakan said. Mohan also said that this year will see the highest number of persons taking part in physical education at the CXC examinations in both badminton and volleyball.
Recently the GBA met with Education Minister, Priya Manickchand to discuss incorporating different sports disciplines into the schools countrywide.
The release stated that the GBA intends to continue this trend of promoting the sport throughout the length and breadth of Guyana. The Shuttletime programme will be done at schools with indoor facilities and AirBadminton will be done at the ones without.
