Previous Story
Big turnout in badminton youth clinic
|
Posted on Jun 27 2011
The first day of the 2011 NMBA Summer Youth Clinic yesterday had a huge turnout, as 79 players participated in the two-hour session at the TSL Sports Complex.
“Organizers were expecting only about 50, but we got almost 80. The response was really overwhelming and I happy to have these kids,” said Oceania Badminton regional development manager Nadia Bleaken, who conducted the clinic with the help of eight Northern Marianas Badminton Association players.
Bleaken arrived on Saipan Sunday for her second visit on island and will be here for one week before heading to Guam to hold similar clinics. She will run the NMBA clinic until Thursday.
“Basically, the clinic focuses on introduction of badminton to children who have yet to play the sport. They are a bit shy when it comes to asking questions, but they are very attentive when you give them instructions,” Bleaken said.
“We have a participant as young as 6 years old and then several players who are 15 years old. We also have several kids who play other sports like soccer and they seem to enjoy playing a new sport,” Bleaken added.
The Oceania official said participants were taught about court movements, proper handling of rackets and shuttlecocks, and some hitting and serving techniques.
Helping Bleaken in teaching the basic of the sport were NMBA members Luis Camacho, Rodwealth Espana, Gigi Zapanta, Marlene Peraja, Merlie Tolentino, Andrew Galvez, Hapi Gabriel, and Macoi Aguda.
Bleaken added in the next three days, clinic participants will learn more techniques and drills and they will also play in a mini tournament.
“Hopefully through clinics like this, more players, especially the youth, will be encouraged to play badminton and then the sport will continue to develop here in the CNMI. I am happy to help NMBA in any possible way to promote badminton in the island,” said Bleaken, who is also expected to meet with adult players during her weeklong stay here.
