Badminton Federation of Nigeria (BFN) recently held a two day “Shuttle Time” training for Secondary Schools Physical Education teachers (P.E) and their students in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State. The event was held at the indoor sports hall of Samson Siasia Stadium was attended by P.E. Teachers from twenty-three schools, as well as, over eighty secondary school students.

 

Shuttle Time is a grassroots badminton training programme that is designed by the Badminton World Federation (BWF), to make badminton accessible to students. Thus, enabling them to learn the basics of the game in a creative way. Shuttle Time, is one of the sports learning programme in the world, where students and their teachers can learn about the basics of the game together.

The training of the P.E. Teachers and their students was facilitated by Shuttle Time Coordinator, Coach Suleiman Tajudeen and Mimi Onengiyi (Certified Shuttle Time tutor).

Bayelsa State Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Chief Daniel Igali, was represented by the Director of Sports Bayelsa State Sports Council, Sir Braveman Wodi, at the event. 

Sir Braveman Wodi, reiterated the Bayelsa State Government commitment to the development of sports and the training of coaches and P.E. Teachers. He appreciated the Badminton Federation of Nigeria led by Mr. Francis Orbih and their grassroots development partner, CSED (Community Sport and Educational Development) Initiative, for taking grassroots badminton to secondary schools in the State.

Sir Wodi, equally commended the Governor, Senator Douye Diri and his Deputy, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, and the Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Chief Daniel Igali, for giving premium attention to sports in the last three and half years of the administration. 

The highlight of the training event was the presentation of free equipment (badminton rackets, nets, and shuttles) courtesy of CSED Initiative, to the secondary school students that attended the event.