CNMI teachers take part in Shuttle Time

Forty CNMI teachers attended Badminton World Federation’s Shuttle Time held last Tuesday at the TSL Sports Complex.

No less than Oceania Badminton regional development manager Nadia Bleaken facilitated the two-hour introduction to BWF’s program launched in 2012 and she was ecstatic with the big turnout and the reception of the participants.

“Wow! I am stoked with the turnout tonight. I was definitely not expecting so many teachers and they were all really enthusiastic, it was a fantastic session,” said Bleaken.

The visiting official explained that Shuttle Time is an innovative, self-study training program. It has a range of training resources that have been developed to help teachers and coaches learn the “how-to” teach badminton to children and youth in a safe and fun environment.

During the session, Bleaken through the assistance of some members and officials of Northern Marianas Badminton Association showed video footages of actual games, explained basic rules, and demonstrated skills, movements, and techniques.

Marianas Baptist Academy principal Ramir Trinidad was among the participants in Shuttle Time and he found the sport interesting with its lots of movement.

“I am here with three of our teachers. We’re all interested to learn the sport and hopefully teach them to our students. We’re planning to include the sport in our P.E. classes,” said Trinidad, saying as this time MBA has basketball, volleyball, and  zumba in their P.E. classes.

“It’s a good addition to our P.E. classes, we have fifth and sixth graders who would really love this sport,” he added.

Besides MBA, Koblerville, Kagman, Garapan, Oleai, San Antonio, Dandan, and San Vicente elementary schools also sent their teachers to the Shuttle Time introduction session.

“This is a lot of fun, our kids will love this because they are so active and they can use their energy in this activity,” said Benny Norita, who works with students with special needs in Kagman.

Meanwhile, Bleaken is encouraging interested individuals to register online for free resources of the program.

“They can register at www.bwfshuttletime.com and spread the word for others to do the same. I can’t stress enough that Shuttle Time is available to everyone, so anyone can access teaching resources (teachers manual, lesson plans and video clips) because we want every child to have a chance to play badminton,” Bleaken said.

The Oceania Badminton official added that the registration is crucial in determining how the federation can help schools in the promotion of the sport.

“When we get these numbers on the database we can identify how much equipment is needed in schools and donate equipment to meet the islands’ needs,” she said.

Bleaken also said that once Shuttle Time is embraced by the various schools in the CNMI, NMBA, the local governing body of the sport, will have a steady source of talents.

Oceania Badminton regional development manager Nadia Bleaken demonstrates to CNMI teachers how to serve during the Shuttle Time session at the TSL Sports Complex last Tuesday afternoon.
(ROSELYN B. MONROYO)

“Shuttle Time is hugely important to NMBA (the federation) and badminton in CNMI as the youth are the future, so focusing on developing them will provide a sustainable future for the sport here in the Commonwealth. It also helps take badminton into the community and because it is such an easy sport to learn, it is a great vehicle to get more people participate in physical activities and build healthy lifestyles,” said Bleaken, who thanked NMBA and its president Jerry Tan for their commitment in delivering programs for the youth.