In a strategic collaboration aimed at fortifying the foundations of badminton across Africa, the Badminton World Federation (BWF) and the Badminton Confederation of Africa (BCA) joined forces with the World Academy of Sports (WAoS) for a series of impactful activities in Senegal. These initiatives, spanning from December 7th to 13th, 2023, encompassed an Events Management Course, a Brainstorming Session on strategic planning, and a National Administration Course, bringing together participants from multiple African nations.
Events Management Course (December 7-9, 2023)
The comprehensive Events Management Course, held from December 7th to 9th, gathered 14 enthusiastic participants from five countries: Benin, Cameroon, Ivory Coast, Tunisia, and Senegal. The course delved into the intricacies of organizing and executing badminton events, providing participants with valuable insights and skills to enhance their capabilities as event organizers. The diverse representation from different nations underscored the collaborative spirit aimed at fostering a unified approach to badminton management across the continent.
Chimène Flore Guiodem from Cameroon shared her positive experience, stating, “The Senegal 2023 event management course which I attended went very well. The lessons were well structured and delivered in a methodical way, with the emphasis on active participation by the learners. The experts were masters of their subject and knew how to capture attention. As a result of the course, I’m now able to put a name to practices that I already had when I was organizing sports events, and also how to use them efficiently. I’m delighted to have taken part.”
Adrame Ndiaye from Senegal expressed his appreciation, saying, “First of all, I’d like to congratulate the BWF and BCA on this organization, which enables us, as an emerging badminton country, to be equipped and skilled in several areas. As far as event management training is concerned, I personally find it very interesting for our federations because it informs us or reminds us of the importance of planning activities and setting objectives for the event. Thank you to the BWF and the BCA for this training course.”
Brainstorming Session on Strategic Planning (December 10, 2023)
Recognizing the significance of collective input in shaping the future of badminton, a Brainstorming Session on strategic planning was convened on December 10th. Participants from both the Events Management and National Administration Courses, alongside other stakeholders, engaged in dynamic discussions to chart a strategic course for the growth and development of badminton in their respective regions. This collaborative approach aimed to harness collective wisdom and diverse perspectives for a holistic and sustainable plan.
National Administration Course (December 11-13, 2023)
From December 11th to 13th, the focus shifted to the National Administration Course, hosting 19 participants from six countries: Comoros, Djibouti, Guinea, Madagascar, Mauritania, and Senegal. This course provided a deep dive into the administrative aspects of managing badminton at the national level. Covering governance structures, operational frameworks, and strategic planning, the National Administration Course equipped participants with the tools necessary to navigate the complexities of badminton administration.
Fatoumata Bintou Gaye from Senegal expressed, “As a sports management graduate, this National Administrator course has enabled me to update the knowledge I already have in strategic management, and above all to get to know the world of badminton a little better. I appreciated the fluidity of the course, which combined theory and practical in a friendly, fun environment. What I appreciated most was the sharing of experiences between administrators from different countries. I hope that with Fesbad, we will be able to take up all the challenges for the development of badminton in Senegal.”
Houssein Moussa from Djibouti shared his thoughts, “This administrative course has given me the opportunity to develop my management and sports management skills, so that I can support the Djibouti Badminton Federation’s efforts to develop badminton in Djibouti.”
Marième Kane Diallo, the Director of Training and Sports Development and representative of the Ministry of Sports, lauds badminton as a dynamic discipline deeply rooted in Senegal’s sporting history, stating, “We had to fight internally at the Ministry of Sports so that the structure was legally constituted and recognized.” This acknowledgment reflects the dedicated efforts and challenges overcome to establish a recognized badminton structure within the ministry. Marième Kane Diallo further commends the federation’s multifaceted contributions, stating, “It takes a lot of initiatives, in terms of training, development of athletes, organization, administration.” The federation’s proactive approach is evident in its commitment to athlete development, efficient organizational practices, and administrative excellence.”
Reflecting on the federation’s impact, Marième Kane Diallo expresses satisfaction, noting, “It is really a federation that gives us a lot of satisfaction.” This sentiment underscores the positive outcomes and contributions made by the badminton federation, portraying it as a source of pride within the broader sports community in Senegal.
Looking forward with optimism, Marième Kane Diallo articulates a significant aspiration, stating, “We hope that with these trainings, at the next Olympic Games, we will win Senegal’s first Olympic medal.” This hopeful vision underscores the belief in the transformative power of the federation’s training initiatives, with an overarching goal of achieving sporting excellence on the global stage.”
Raja Rochdy, Head of Operations at BCA and the expert leading the training, emphasized the high level of participation and engagement among the attendees, especially during the discussions. She stated, “The investment of the participants is felt; they are keen to learn better and to further contribute to the management of badminton events. They are proposing events that align with the upcoming Youth Olympic Games, which Dakar will host in 2026.” This reflects the participants’ dedication to enhancing their knowledge and skills to positively impact the sport’s administration and development, aligning with the strategic goals of the Youth Olympic Games.
These joint activities stand as a testament to the commitment of BWF and BCA in fortifying the roots of badminton governance in Africa. Initiated as part of the BWF’s legacy plan for Senegal, aligning with its role as the host for the Youth Olympic Games in 2026, these efforts aim to leave a lasting impact on badminton development in the region. Senegal, a valued member of the BCA family since 2019, serves as a focal point for fostering collaboration and empowering the next generation of badminton administrators across the African continent.
