NZ Badminton Open Heads Back to School

NZ Badminton Open Heads Back to School

With Badminton being one of the fastest growing sports in New Zealand Schools, it is perfect timing during the Barfoot & Thompson New Zealand Badminton Open to take the sport into one of the fastest growing areas.

Badminton New Zealand, along with event partner ACG Education, will host a visit to ACG Parnell College tomorrow (Friday), taking a group of international players (potentially leading New Zealand players too) here for the New Zealand Open, to engage in an interactive session with students to further highlight the game of badminton.

Badminton New Zealand CEO Joe Hitchcock says the sport is booming around the country, with a change in New Zealand’s demographics clearly showing through in the sports and recreational activities that students are choosing.

“This is a great chance to further grow and develop the game in schools and capitalize on the increase in interest we have been experiencing in recent years.

“Working with our partner ACG Education the aim is twofold, to encourage even greater participation from the students, but also show them the pathway through to the international stage with the involvement of the tournament players.”

Some facts and figures supporting tomorrow’s event:

• Badminton is booming and is currently one of New Zealand’s fastest growing sports.

• More than 100,000 kiwi kids have participated in Shuttle Time, the National Schools Badminton Programme.

• Badminton is now a top 5 sport in NZ – more people play badminton than football, cricket and netball (Gemba Research 2016).

• Sport is the most common social group or club for new immigrants and badminton is the top sport participated in by the New Zealand Asian community.

• Badminton is a Commonwealth Games, Olympic and Paralympic sport.

Media are invited to attend for interviews, images and vision of the event. The session will begin with an introduction of the international players and outline of the session, before Badminton New Zealand coaches manage the on-court activity with the players actively involved on court.

Date: Friday May 4, 2018

Venue: ACG Parnell College, 2 Titoki Street, Parnell

12:45pm: Students arrive at gymnasium at ACG Parnell College

12:50pm: Introduction and briefing

12:55pm: First interactive session, led by BNZ coaches and players

1:10pm: Second interactive session, with set challenges for students

1:25pm: Conclusion of session, interviews as requested

ends

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