Why not give badminton a go?

Badminton is a great sport. It's a racquet sport and has been an Olympic event since 1992. How would you like your child to become involved in this activity? Maybe your child will go on to represent Jamaica in the future.

The Shuttle Power Badminton Summer Camp kicks off on July 18 at the Liguanea Club, New Kingston, and has over the years emerged as a best-value option for campers and parents alike.

The two-week camp is designed for boys and girls from eight to 13 years, and the aim is to introduce new players to badminton as well as enhance the technique of juniors who may already be familiar with the sport. Although the youngsters will be encouraged to have the kind of fun badminton inevitably allows, the participants will also receive training drills to develop technique fundamentals. A key objective is to have the campers leave with a basic knowledge and awareness of proper footwork and winning playing strategies, both for singles and doubles play.

The Jamaica Badminton Association (JBA) endorses the effort and is thrilled to help support an initiative that seeks to broaden the base of the sport and enhance the level of play of the next generation of badminton players. On the heels of this endorsement, campers will be guests of the premier XX Pan American Junior Badminton Championships, to be held at the National Indoor Sports Centre by the JBA.

The JBA council noted that this exciting opportunity would expose youngsters to the highest level of junior badminton in the region. It is certainly a great way to bring camp training to life and provide a positively charged competitive experience the participants can share as a group and recreate during camp training.

Camp hours are between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., with badminton training taking place in the mornings. After lunch, which is included in the camp fees, there are additional activities geared to developing a balanced reprieve for the youngsters, such as swimming and camp games.

In addition, whereas many summer camps are half-day events, Shuttle Power Badminton Summer Camp's extended hours allow parents the guilt-free flexibility of drop-off and pick-up times that perfectly suit busy work schedules.

For more information, contact the camp organisers at 401-9870, or email shuttlepower@gmail.com.