Pupils have smashing time at special badminton coaching

Nov 27 2008 by Eric MacKinnon, West Lothian Courier

PUPILS from Deans Community High in West Lothian joined more than 3000 other children from schools across Scotland at the Kelvin Hall International Sports Arena last week to take part in the annual Bank of Scotland play badminton carnival.

Those attending the event participated in two-hour long sessions taking part in a range of activities and receiving coaching in the basics of the game from expert Badminton Scotland coaches and sports students.

The children were also given the opportunity to indulge in a bit of fun when they challenged their coaches to a game of badminton as well as taking part in a fitness challenge, competing for the fastest times for the opportunity to win badminton rackets donated by Yonex, and T-shirts and water bottles donated by the Bank of Scotland.

Almost 1000 youngsters have already benefited from the carnivals in September and October and since 1999 an estimated 100,000 children have been introduced to the sport.

Russell Hogg, Development Manager at Badminton Scotland, said: “We are very pleased to once again have this opportunity to bring badminton to young people.

“It is really rewarding when you see the children with smiles on their faces.

“I’m optimistic this carnival will encourage many children to get more involved with badminton and I hope that their interest has an immediate effect when they turn out to support our elite performers at the Bank of Scotland International Championships.”