BCA Para badminton development activities.
Lugogo, MTN Arena, Kampala, Uganda: In a significant stride toward promoting inclusive sports and nurturing talent, the Badminton Confederation Africa (BCA) successfully organized the 6th BCA Para Badminton Workshop and Training Camp at the Lugogo Stadium in Kampala. The event, held from June 29 to July 3, marked a pivotal moment for the BCA’s recently launched strategic plan, aimed at increasing participation in Para badminton and enhancing the coaching capabilities within the continent.
The workshop brought together coaches and players from several African countries, including Benin, Burkina Faso, Ivory Coast, Togo, Cameroon, Uganda, South Africa, Mauritius, Tunisia, Senegal, Nigeria, Mozambique, and Zambia. The participation of such diverse nations showcased the growing interest and commitment to developing Para badminton throughout Africa.
Led by Bernadin Bokpè and Dr. Ahmed Reda, both renowned Badminton World Federation (BWF) experts and Para badminton tutors, the workshop focused on training and assessing coaches in the specialized techniques required for training para players. The instructors shared their expertise, providing valuable insights into developing Para badminton in their respective countries.
Halima Ly, a coach from Senegal, expressed her gratitude for the exceptional experience the workshop offered. She emphasized the importance of recognizing the qualities and potential of para players, emphasizing that they, too, are capable individuals. Ly praised the professionalism and dedication of the tutors, highlighting their ability to inspire and teach while acknowledging the challenges and sacrifices required in Para training. She also commended her colleagues for their humility and spirit of sharing, essential qualities for successful coaching.
Echoing similar sentiments Adewale Olasunkanmi, a coach from Nigeria, shared his enthusiasm for the workshop, noting the abundance of new knowledge gained during the event. Olasunkanmi mentioned key topics covered, including player classification, coaching strategies for different classes, and techniques for strapping legs and bodies to wheelchairs for improved balance. “I wish to thank the organizers and resource persons for their dedication to developing Para badminton in Africa and I commit to sharing the newly acquired knowledge in my home country” He added.
The opening ceremony saw Mr. Simon Mugabi, CEO of Uganda Badminton Association (UBA), deliver an address, emphasizing the importance of the workshop in training coaches to better prepare Para badminton players. He highlighted Africa’s potential to compete and win medals in Para badminton, given the continent’s remarkable talent and the efforts of BCA and BWF in fostering its development. Mr. Mugabi encouraged coaches to make the most of their training and to return home to train players effectively, envisioning a bright future for Para badminton in Africa.
The workshop, run concurrently with the Players Training Camp, was facilitated by the BCA Development Team with the assistance of UBA Coaches. The coaches were trained on the BWF Coaches Manual’s Module 13, which covered considerations for training disabled players, classification of players into different Para badminton classes, and the technical, tactical, and physical aspects of each class. Meanwhile, the participating players, many of whom were newcomers to the sport, had the opportunity to improve their skills through the training camp.
The success of the workshop and training camp was evident in the positive feedback received from participants. The event not only contributed to the growth and retention of Para badminton athletes, as outlined in the BCA Strategic Plan, but also fostered a sense of unity and collaboration among the participating countries.
BCA President Speech on the Workshop
” As Africa continues to embrace and nurture the potential of Para badminton, it is clear that this 6th edition of the BCA Para Badminton Workshop and Training Camp has played a pivotal role in empowering coaches and players alike. The event serves as a catalyst for knowledge exchange, skill development, and the overall growth of Para badminton on the continent.
With the successful delivery of this workshop, we have taken a significant step towards achieving our strategic objectives, additionally, by inviting new coaches and players to participate, the BCA has ensured that Para badminton continues to expand its reach and impact in Africa.
We also acknowledge the support and involvement of Uganda Badminton Association, our long time partner in developing Para badminton in Africa since 2017, which further underscores the significance of this event.
As the BCA Para Badminton Workshop and Training Camp draws to a close, Africa stands on the cusp of a new era for the sport. With a focus on inclusivity, skill development, and knowledge sharing, the BCA has laid a strong foundation for the growth of Para badminton in the region. The dedication and passion displayed by the coaches and players involved ensure a promising future for Para badminton in Africa, where athletes can compete and shine on the international stage.”
End of Speech.
