SHUTTLE WORLD FEBRUARY - APRIL 2016 / EDITION NO. 13 BWF: More IntellIgent AntI-DopIng testing Badminton World Federation has moved to ensure a more intelligence-based anti-doping programme, recently signing an agreement with an Athlete Passport Management Unit (APMU). This collaboration allows BWF to tap into cutting-edge scientific knowledge from experts to better detect biological markers in ABPs (Athlete Biological Passports) that could indicate possible doping by athletes. The move follows BWF s implementation of its own ABP programme where both blood and urine samples are collected for individual athlete profiles. ABPs have been used as a strategy to deter and detect doping in endurance sports for quite some time. However, passports are now common place in testing programmes with the implementation of the new World Anti-Doping Code (WADC) in January 2015. Experts at the APMU one of ten associated with World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) accredited laboratories review the analyses of players ABPs (blood and urine) provided by the WADA-accredited laboratory. If the experts discover anything suspicious, they will then advise the BWF on testing strategies for that athlete. The APMU has full access to analysis results from samples collected and logged into WADAs online administration system. The APMU also receives notifications from the administration system and if suspicious results are advised, then the APMU looks into the atypical analysis. Having an APMU on board is another step to make our anti-doping programme more robust and intelligencedriven. It gives BWF access to a level of scientific knowledge which we did not have before and we can target individuals in a very scientific and intelligencedriven way, said BWF Secretary General Thomas Lund. Our APMU is able to scrutinise any of the player profiles that have a steroidal (urine) or haematological (blood) passport and make the relevant observations and recommendations. BWF has an obligation to protect the rights of clean athletes and this advancement in the fight against doping ensures a more intelligence-based anti-doping strategy to catch cheats in the sport. Since the implementation of the Steroidal Module (urine) in 2014, every urine sample collected has been analysed for the presence of steroids as part of an individual athlete s profile. This information can be used in combination with the Haematological Passport Module (blood) to build a clear picture of biological profiles that could signal doping by individual athletes. Blood sample collection has become more common in badminton both in-competition at events and out-ofcompetition. Some National Anti-Doping Organisations (NADOs) have an ABP for their national level athletes. BWF collaborates closely with NADOs who have badminton athletes on their ABP. Lund explained that while a select number of athletes are part of the BWF s Blood Passport Programme, there will be other times where players outside of the select programme will have their blood samples taken and analysed. There have been tremendous advances in the science around the analysis of samples. Additionally, the storage of samples for later re-analysis is something major-event organisers such as the International Olympic Committee (IOC), as well as international federations are doing. Some suspicious samples are stored for up to ten years so, that as science and new analysis tools are developed, these samples can be taken from storage and re-analysed at a future time if necessary. The IOC is analysing some samples from the London 2012 Olympic Games. These samples will have new scientific knowledge and analysis methods applied and this could see a change in the results and podium positions. Given the ever-evolving fight against doping and new measures coming into effect, the BWF Secretary General acknowledged the need to educate players further on this crucial matter. The collection of blood in and out of competition is going to be a long-term, values-based programme, with the quality and level of testing conducted by the BWF becoming more intelligent-driven. We are looking to implement a long-term educational programme to cover multiple areas, including educating athletes around blood collection, said Lund. BWF is collaborating with NADOs including UKAD (UK), ADD (Denmark), JADA (Japan), KADA (Korea) and CHINADA (China) on sample collection strategies and with some, educational initiatives. We have also been working closely with the respective chairs of the Badminton and Parabadminton Athletes Commissions, providing as much information as possible and we will continue to do so. They have direct contact with players and we rely on them to support the dissemination of information in particular through social media. * The fundamental principle of the Athlete Biological Passport (ABP) is to monitor selected biological variables over time that indirectly reveal the effects of doping rather than attempting to detect the doping substance or method itself. HIGHLIGHTS WHIFF OF EXCITING POSSIBILITIES (PAGES 5 & 6 ) 100 SHUTTLE TIMES IN PANAMA (PAGE 9 ) KEY DATES 15-22 May 30 May-05 June 07-12 June 28 June-03 July 05-10 July TOTAL BWF Thomas & Uber Cup Finals (Major Event), Kunshan BCA Indonesia Open (Superseries Premier), Jakarta XIAMENAIR Australian Badminton Open (Superseries), Sydney YONEX Open Chinese Taipei (Grand Prix Gold), Taipei YONEX US Open (Grand Prix Gold) El Monte, Los Angeles olympics In the AIr: Throughout the sporting world, the Olympic Games are on almost everyone s lips. The countdown is on to the Opening Ceremony for this summer s Rio 2016 Olympic Games. Tokyo has another four years before it hosts the globe s elite athletes but that city too is already counting down. In late April, the Tokyo 2020 emblems for the Olympic Games and the Paralympic Games were unveiled; the latter being the first Paralympic Games in which badminton will be played.
EdITORIAL PAGE 2 Dear Colleagues and Friends We are in the midst of exciting times and the coming weeks and months will require much diligence, commitment and enthusiasm for the various tasks at hand. However, our global badminton community has already shown an admirable capacity to rise to challenges and furthermore to exceed expectations and I have all confidence we will be able to do so again. As example of our collective ability to achieve significant goals, I am buoyed by our recent celebration of 100 Shuttle Time implementations across the world in less than five years a landmark which far supersedes our initial, four-year target of having Shuttle Time in 30 countries by the end of 2015. Poul-Erik Høyer BWF President To quote BWF Development Director Ian Wright it s been a great ride to have taken this grassroots programme for children from a pilot project in Tonga in late 2011 to its 100th milestone in the Central American nation of Panama in late February, this year. By continental confederation, the numbers of implementations have been as follows: Africa (17); Asia (25); Europe (27); Oceania (8) and Pan Am (23). This includes partnerships with the International Olympic Committee at its Sport for Hope Centres in Haiti and Zambia and more countries have joined the Shuttle Time family since then! Available in 17 languages, this development initiative has proven an incredible catalyst for sparking the youth s passion for badminton. We could not have anticipated how well it would have been received and I wish to thank and commend all the teachers and tutors globally who trained to deliver Shuttle Time lessons to children in schools and communities. In addition, the support of our continental confederations, member associations and various benefactors has been pivotal. It is this kind of heart-warming success which assures me, that once we continue working together as a family, badminton will flourish even more. Immediately ahead of us we have one of our most prestigious events, the TOTAL BWF Thomas & Uber Cup Finals 2016 to be held in Kunshan, China, from 15-22 May. As is customary, we will stage our Annual General Meeting, Member s Forum and related activities, including for the first time a Media Appreciation ceremony, alongside this BWF Major Event. A lot will be happening simultaneously and the world of badminton will be the centre of attention. It is another opportunity for us to shine; to be our best both on and off the court. Before that, however, our Olympic Qualification Period will end on 1 May and, after the year-long Race to Rio, we will know which players will compete for gold, silver and bronze in August. Having recently passed 100 days until the Rio 2016 Opening Ceremony, we can truly say the countdown is on! Finally, I wish to draw attention to the BWF Strategic Plan 2016-2020 which has been circulated to our membership and is now available online (BWF Strategic Plan 2016-2020). May I ask all persons within the international badminton community to read and absorb our ambitions for the coming Olympic cycle. There are four Strategic Focuses at the heart of BWF s work. These are: Capacity; Entertainment; Participation and Partnerships. Each is a key element in the further evolution of our sport in the fast-paced, competitive marketplace in which we operate. This Plan our blueprint for the future is athlete-centred. The BWF and its members have a major role in providing the best possible environments for athletes to realise their potential. In this regard, priority areas are: clean sport, fair play, awareness and education, and health and well-being. We will discuss the Strategic Plan in detail at the Member s Forum in Kunshan and we look forward to the input from our membership as we move forward together. Poul-Erik Høyer
PAGE 3 Simon Cruz Mondejar of Spain triumphed in SL 3 Men s Singles. France s Lucas Mazur and Faustine Noel won gold in SL 3 - SU 5 Mixed doubles. MAzur shines In turkey Lucas Mazur has started this year s para-badminton season in great form, claiming three gold medals at the 2nd Turkish Para-Badminton International 2016 in Konya in early April. The Frenchman triumphed in SL 4 Men s Singles beating local player, Sedat Tuemkaya (21-15 21-7) in the final. Partnered by two of his compatriots, he was also victorious in SL 3 - SL 4 Doubles (with Mathieu Gilles Thomas) and SL 3 - SU 5 Mixed Doubles (with Faustine Noel). Wheelchair athletes, Germany s Thomas Wandschneider and Karin Suter-Erath of Switzerland, were also in winners row, each taking two golds. Suter-Erath reaped success in WH 1 - WH 2 Women s Doubles with another Swiss competitor, Sonja Haesler, and in WH 1 - WH 2 Mixed Doubles with England s Martin Rooke. Suter-Erath also collected silver in WH 1 + WH 2 Women s Singles, losing out to Turkey s Ermine Seckin (26-24 21-16) in the final. Wandschneider topped WH 1 Men s Singles, beating France s David Toupe for gold (21-19 21-17). The two teamed up to win WH 1 - WH 2 Men s Doubles. What promises to be a busy and exciting season now moves to Antrim, Ireland, which will stage the Irish Para-Badminton International 2016 from 21-26 June. A total of 156 athletes from 28 countries are slated to compete, including Para-Badminton Players of the Year (2015), Lee Sam Seop of Korea and Helle Sofie Sagoy of Norway, as well as the USA for the first time ever. The continental spread of entries is a heartening sign that elite para-badminton is gathering pace globally. Ibrahim Sözer (left) and Sedat Tuemkaya of Turkey competed in SL 3 - SL 4 doubles. We have 18 European countries; five from Asia and three from Pan Am. The USA will make its debut at this level with two players. We can also see countries that have an eye to the Paralympic Games in 2020. Japan is sending 18 players and they already have a number of doubles pairs, noted BWF Vice President Para- Badminton, Paul Kurzo. This tournament will be followed by the Indonesia Para-Badminton International in August and at least four other events thereafter, including continental championships in Europe, Asia and Pan America. More information will be forthcoming in future editions. Switzerland s Karin Suter-Erath partnered Martin Rooke of England to gold in WH 1 - WH 2 Mixed doubles.
PAGE 4 BWF President Poul-Erik Høyer (left) and BWF Secretary General, Thomas Lund (right), are pictured with BWF s long-serving staff (from second left), Michelle Nyam, Sharon Chan, Venugopal Mahalingam, Noridah Jamil and Patricia Wong. stalwarts saluted It s almost 11 years since badminton s world-governing body relocated to the Asian metropolis of Kuala Lumpur and offered a unique career experience to a group of Malaysians. Sharon Chan, Noridah Jamil, Venugopal Mahalingam, Michelle Nyam and Patricia Wong could hardly have imagined just how interesting and different this professional decision would be and that, more than a decade later, they would have witnessed a significant evolution in the organisation. In February, BWF paused to applaud the contribution of these five dedicated employees who were among the earliest recruits when the International Badminton Federation (IBF) later rechristened the Badminton World Federation shifted its headquarters from Cheltenham, UK, to Kuala Lumpur in June 2005. Despite varying challenges, including a lack of experience in badminton administration, these staff members helped the organisation develop and blossom into the robust sports federation it is today. Leading the celebrations of their ten years of service were BWF President Poul-Erik Høyer and Secretary General Thomas Lund, accompanied by BWF Council members and other BWF workers. Høyer lauded the work of all the guests of honour while Lund read brief biographies on all five; each of whom received a commendation and a watch. These key staff were indeed the trail blazers in the BWF and have grown with the organisation from its start-up days, said Lund. The BWF appreciates their contribution very much and looks forward to having them with us for a long time. He expressed regret that Noridah Jamil was no longer with BWF, having left in mid-february. Jamil joined BWF as Events Officer and worked in various areas including technical officials servicing, antidoping, event entries and event preparation. Chair of the Technical Officials Commission, Torsten Berg, spoke warmly of her support to technical officials and presented a gift to Jamil on their behalf. Major Events Manager, Venu Mahalingam, who came to BWF from Badminton Asia Confederation, was in charge of the transition from Cheltenham and set up all operations in Kuala Lumpur from scratch. A key achievement was re-designing and stabilising the world rankings and tournament management system. Finance Manager, Sharon Chan, worked in the construction industry previously. She has kept a tight rein on BWF expenses while Patricia Wong, Governance & Membership Services Manager, has looked after BWF member associations and handled government-related matters. In their speeches, Mahalingam, Chan and Wong recalled the intense pressure of their early BWF days when the office had just been established in Kuala Lumpur. Jamil was emotional and thanked the BWF family. The loudest cheers were reserved for Michelle Nyam, perhaps the quietest BWF staffer. The youngest of the awardees, she came to BWF straight after university graduation and has assisted Chan in managing the organisation s finances. She gave a witty account of working with her boss.
PAGE 5 The draw for the TOTAL BWF Thomas & Uber Cup Finals 2016 WHIFF of exciting possibilities Boasting 13 titles from the last 16 Women s World Team Championships for the Uber Cup, history will be overwhelmingly in China s favour when the TOTAL BWF Thomas and Uber Cup Finals begin in Kunshan on 15 May 2016. The hosts haven t been as dominant in the men s competition the Thomas Cup but they still have nine titles from the last 17 editions. Home fans will thus expect nothing short of a double triumph, which has happened seven times in 1986, 1988, 1990, 2004, 2006, 2008 and 2012. Notwithstanding the overall strength of both the men and women s teams, China will probably go into the tournament a little circumspect. The hosts will be keen to erase memories of their unexpected semi-final loss in 2014 to Japan who went on to clinch their maiden Thomas Cup. China will be strengthened by the return to form of their legendary spearhead, Lin Dan, who is currently World No.2. Lin was unable to play a part in the semi-final last time as he was scheduled to play the fifth match but the tie was decided in the third. By a stroke of fate, the top seeds and the defending champions are in the same group (A), alongside France and Mexico. No.2 seeds Denmark, who have a strong all-round squad and a good shot at a maiden title, are in a relatively easier group (B), with Chinese Taipei, New Zealand and South Africa. Indonesia, seeking to reclaim past glory with a 14th title, are in Group B with India, Thailand and Hong Kong. Korea have never won the Thomas Cup and will bank on their doubles strength to go all the way. The Koreans have Malaysia, England and Germany for company in Group C. The Thomas Cup has always been in Asia s possession since Malaya won the debut championship in 1949. Only four nations Malaya/Malaysia, Indonesia, China and Japan have ever won the title. For defending champions Japan, who have seen an upward momentum shift since their title in 2014, this edition will challenge them to prove that victory was not a one-off fluke. The suspension of two Men s Singles players who starred in their success in India two Sir George Thomas (left) proposed the World Men s Team Championships which started in 1949 while Betty Uber (right) did similarly for the World Women s Team Championships which were first contested in 1957. Continues on Page 6
PAGE 6 Continued from Page 5 years ago will certainly hamper their title defence. However, their doubles ranks have been bolstered by recent stand-out results from Takeshi Kamura and Keigo Sonoda. How well the overall squad can perform is left to be seen. Japan s women have reason to be upbeat. Nozomi Okuhara has emerged a world-beater over recent months, winning three Superseries YONEX Open Japan, Dubai World Superseries Finals and the YONEX All England. Heading a clutch of combative Women s Singles players, and with Misaki Matsutomo/Ayaka Takahashi clinching the All England after beating three of China s best pairs, the Japanese will fancy their chances of emulating the achievements of their legendary teams of the 1960s and 1970s. They have a strong chance of topping Group D, which also has India, Australia and Germany. The Japanese were the supreme power in the Uber Cup from 1966 to 1981; their reign broken only once, in 1975 by Indonesia. In Okuhara, Akane Yamaguchi, Yui Hashimoto, Matsutomo/Takahashi and the rest of the team, Japan have the depth to achieve what their predecessors last did in 1981. Korea, who broke China s decade-long winning spell with victory in the 2010 Finals, are in Group B with Chinese Taipei, Mauritius and USA. Another country that has savoured past success, lifting titles in 1975, 1994 and 1996 Indonesia are in Group C with Thailand, Bulgaria and Hong Kong. Despite their singles players being overshadowed in recent months, China still have fearsome depth in the squad and are well placed to defend their title, which they first won in 1984. Only twice since then has their run been interrupted by Indonesia in 1994 and 1996, and Korea in 2010. Apart from the favourites, teams like India, Malaysia, Hong Kong and England (in the men s) and India, Thailand and Denmark (in the women s) can prove dangerous to the higher seeds. As Olympic seeding points will be at stake, all players who are Rio-bound will be keen to give everything they have to boost their positions as the Summer Games beckon. A potentially fascinating contest is on the cards in Kunshan! li-ning BWF thomas & uber Cup FInAls 2014 FInAls FlAsHBACk Finals: Thomas Cup: Japan beat Malaysia 3-2 Ms1: Lee Chong Wei (MAS) beat Kenichi Tago 21-12 21-16 MD1: Kenichi Hayakawa/Hiroyuki Endo (JPN) beat Tan Boon Heong/ Hoon Thien How 12-21 21-17 21-19 Ms2: Kento Momota (JPN) beat Chong Wei Feng 21-15 21-17 MD2: Goh V Shem/Tan Wee Kiong (MAS) beat Keigo Sonoda/ Takeshi Kamura 19-21 21-17 21-12 Ms3: Takuma Ueda (JPN) beat daren Liew 21-12 18-21 21-17 Uber Cup: China beat Japan 3-1 sweet MeMorY: Japan s victorious Thomas Cup winners in 2014. Ws1: Li Xuerui (CHN) beat Minatsu Mitani 21-15 21-5 WD1: Misaki Matsutomo/Ayaka Takahashi (JPN) bt Bao Yixin/Tang Jinhua 21-18 21-9 Ws2: Wang Shixian (CHN) bt Sayaka Takahashi 21-16 21-12 WD2: Zhao Yunlei/Wang Xiaoli (CHN) bt Miyuki Maeda/Reika Kakiiwa 21-13 21-6 China has dominated the Uber Cup and will be seeking to defend their crown on home soil and win a 14th title overall.
PAGE 7 Andrew Ryan spent 11 memorable years at the International Badminton Federation. surprised ryan Cops top Honour Former Chief Executive of the International Badminton Federation (IBF), Andrew Ryan, will in May receive the Herbert Scheele Trophy for exceptional service to badminton. He leads the Badminton World Federation s 2015 awards which include a Lifetime Achievement honour for past IBF President, Poul-Erik Nielsen; Distinguished Service recognition for three top technical officials; and the Women in Badminton Award for a pioneer in Brazilian badminton, Dr. Keiko Veronica Ono Fonseca. There are also Meritorious Service Awards for a number of stalwarts across the sport s international community. Now Executive Director of the Association of Summer Olympic International Federations (ASOIF), Ryan was surprised to be selected for the federation s most prestigious prize for administrators. I was really surprised and honoured to be awarded the Herbert Scheele Trophy especially when I realised that many of the previous winners are icons of mine and, in some cases, have been mentors within badminton, said the Englishman who worked for IBF (now BWF) for 11 years. Initially hired as the organisation s first Development Director, Ryan had been promoted to Chief Operating Officer by the time he left IBF in 2006 when the organisation relocated from Cheltenham, England, to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. I have actually managed to work in sport ever since university. I have known no other work than in sport and badminton. My fondest memories have all been from badminton and the best ones, if I m honest, are from my coaching days. Although taking players to the Olympic Games in 1992 in Barcelona was a highlight, the best recollections will always be from coaching on development projects around the world. The stories are too numerous to mention but the combination of elite and development coaching has taken me to nearly 100 countries and given me a life experience that no other work could ever have delivered. Ryan, who has remained a strong BWF supporter in the global sporting landscape, will accept his award at the BWF Delegates Welcome Dinner on Friday 20 May; the eve of the BWF s Annual General Meeting in Kunshan, China. Sharing the limelight that evening will be Dr. Keiko Veronica Ono Fonseca who has won the Women in Badminton Award for her stellar work in developing the sport in her homeland, Brazil. Badminton Association of Malaysia Council member, Mahizan Mustafa (left) and Badminton Association of Malaysia Administration Manager, Ahmad Mohd Idris (right) received their Meritorious Service Awards from BWF President Poul-Erik Høyer (second right) at this year s Celcom Axiata Malaysia Open. Also in attendance was Acting President of Badminton Association of Malaysia, Tan Sri Ir (dr) Mohamed Al Amin Abdul Majid. Continues on Page 8
PAGE 8 Continued from Page 7 Not only has she played badminton since 1993, she has also helped develop it in two states (Parana and Santa Catarina) while holding various posts within the Brazil Badminton Federation. At national level, Fonseca has spearheaded the implementation of Shuttle Time BWF s grassroots programme for children in the South American country, collaborating with a colleague to translate Shuttle Time manuals and lesson plans into Portuguese. She has done similarly for the BWF Coach Development programme (Level 1). These written and audio translations are used by other Portuguese-speaking countries too. A doctoral graduate in electronics engineering and computer science, Fonseca s other achievements include: introducing a badminton module in the undergraduate Physical Education programme at the university where she lectures; supporting scientific research on badminton in Brazil; organising a badminton tournament for deaf women and helping to develop a Portuguese version of BWF Shuttle Time app which will soon be launched. This is a great honour; a real surprise. I am very pleased to receive the BWF Women in Badminton Award as an acknowledgment of my work with badminton in Brazil. However, I am also aware that it implies greater responsibility and that I must maintain and improve my volunteer work as an example of passionate dedication, said Fonseca, joking that she will not be able to be incognito anymore. dr. Keiko Fonseca has been a tireless advocate in Brazil s badminton development. Meanwhile, Poul-Erik Nielsen has been recognised with a Lifetime Achievement Award for his commitment to badminton in numerous capacities; first as a top player; then as an IBF Vice-President and the Chair of Rules and Laws; and finally as IBF President (1984-86). The Dane was deeply involved in spreading badminton in Africa and the Americas and Africa. Ernest Robinson (France); Vemuri Sudhakar (India) and Federico Valdez (Peru) have all served with distinction as technical officials. In the latter s case, he was also a member of the BWF Council, serving on the Development Committee from 1995 to 2005, as Deputy Chair from 1998 to 2001 and as Chairman from 2001 to 2004. Additionally, Valdez was president of Badminton Pan Am for eight years and has been a BWF Accredited Referee since 1996. Robinson became a BWF Accredited Referee in 2000 and graduated to a BWF Certificated Referee in 2009. He finished his refereeing career at last December s Dubai World Superseries Finals and is now a BWF Referee Assessor 2015. Sudhakar became a BWF Certificated Umpire in 1991 and retired in 2004, having officiated medal matches at the Athens 2004 Olympic Games. Since then, he has served as an umpire assessor and teacher, both in BAC and for BWF, where his contribution is still highly appreciated. Federico Valdez has served international badminton with distinction as a Council member and as a technical official. BWF has also lauded the contribution of SKYCITY with a Certificate of Commendation for its sterling support of badminton in New Zealand, especially as title sponsor of the New Zealand Open since 2013. This backing has enabled Badminton New Zealand to deliver a high-calibre tournament and add value to the event through marketing and promotional cooperation. BWF 2015 AWARdS Herbert Scheele Trophy Andrew Ryan Lifetime Achievement Award Poul-Erik Nielsen (denmark) Distinguished service Award Ernest Robinson (France) Vemuri Sudhakar (India) Federico Valdez (Peru) Women in Badminton Award dr. Keiko Veronica Ono Fonseca (Brazil) Certificate of Commendation Skycity (New Zealand) Meritorious service Awards Marcel Pierloot (Belgium) Edgard Verpoorten (Belgium) Cicero Cesar Paz das Neves (Brazil) Volodya Zlatev (Bulgaria) Wiola Renholm (Finand) Eino Vaisanen (Finland) Godin Magali (France) Karl-Heinz Kerst (Germany) Ahmad Mohd Idris (Malaysia) Mahizan Mustafa (Malaysia) Jos Esveld (Netherlands) John Milne (New Zealand)
PAGE 9 100 shuttle times In panama Participants in the 100th Shuttle Time implementation in Panama show off their certificates after the three-day course (24-26 February). In February this year, the Badminton World Federation s schools development programme Shuttle Time marked its 100th implementation in Panama. The Central American nation enjoyed the proud distinction of staging this milestone of the worldwide grassroots initiative which has spread badminton to all five continents. First piloted in Tonga in the South Pacific in late 2011, Shuttle Time has quickly left its imprint globally, with BWF member associations embracing it as the primary means of growing the sport among schoolchildren. It allows teachers and tutors to develop the skills, knowledge and confidence to introduce badminton in a safe, fun and inclusive manner. By continental confederation, the numbers of implementations are as follows: Africa (17); Asia (25); Europe (27); Oceania (8) and Pan Am (23). This includes partnerships with the International Olympic Committee at its Sport for Hope Centres in Haiti and Zambia. This has far exceeded BWF s initial goal of establishing Shuttle Time in 30 countries by the end of 2015 and, with resources now available in 17 languages (Mongolian and Nepalese to be added later this year), Shuttle Time is expected to continue blazing the way in badminton development. This is a fantastic milestone for BWF. We re very proud. We ve received great support, and the programme has proved to be easily implementable. It s amazing that we ve reached 100 implementations, stated BWF President Poul-Erik Høyer. The big success of Shuttle Time is that it has brought a lot of schools into badminton. The structure of the programme is easy for PE (physical education) teachers to learn and implement, so there has been huge support from governments and BWF member countries. Chairman of BWF s Development Committee, David Cabello, is equally thrilled about the prized landmark. I am extremely happy and proud that BWF has reached 100 national Shuttle Time implementations. The programme is supporting the growth of badminton at a grassroots level globally, and is providing many opportunities for children to be active through badminton, he explained. We must now continue to develop, expand and sustain the programme, as we strive to achieve our goal of giving every child the chance to play badminton for life. BWF Secretary General, Thomas Lund, highlighted the major contribution of BWF member associations and other stakeholders in this fantastic achievement. The manner in which they have responded to Shuttle Time, he pointed out, has been pivotal to its success. Our stakeholders should receive equal praise. The programme was originally meant to be a first-stage penetration into schools, but now it s played a wider role in getting stakeholders together and raising awareness of badminton. It s become a pathway for players and built energy around badminton. He also saluted developed badminton nations for embracing the BWF Equipment Donation Project which supports Shuttle Time, with more established badminton countries adopting those now getting a foothold in the sport through public donations of rackets, shuttles and other badminton necessities. Meanwhile, Panama Badminton Association President, Dr Elvys Villareal, said Panama is delighted to be part of the BWF Shuttle Time family particularly the 100th country. This makes it extra special. Our aim is to grow badminton nationally and, through partnerships with schools and Panama University, Shuttle Time will help us to achieve this goal. We thank the BWF and Badminton Pan Am for their support and look forward to the future of badminton in Panama. ***** For FurtHer InForMAtIon on shuttle time: BWF website: BWF Shuttle Time Facebook page: www.facebook.com/bwfshuttletime WHere It All started: Shuttle Time was first piloted in Tonga in late 2011. BWF President Poul-Erik Høyer (fourth left) and BWF Secretary General Thomas Lund (third right) cut the Shuttle Time 100 cake at BWF Headquarters in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia as BWF staff join in to celebrate the 100th Shuttle Time implementation in Panama.
PAGE 10 BWF President Poul-Erik Høyer (centre) makes a point to representatives of tournament hosts. He is flanked by BWF Events Chair, Peter Tarcala (right) and BWF Events director, darren Parks. HøYer: embrace showbiz! Stating badminton must keep pace with the increasing trend towards sportainment globally, BWF President Poul-Erik Høyer issued this challenge to tournament hosts at a recent meeting in Kuala Lumpur. Addressing a one-day gathering of hosts of MetLife BWF World Superseries and BWF Grand Prix Gold Series events, he said he wants to see more badminton tournaments embrace the blending of sport and entertainment sportainment. We have to make a show around badminton; to make it more exciting and to engage our fans. In fact, some people may first be attracted to the entertainment and then badminton, he noted. It is important for us to grow and develop our events and this is an important way of doing that. Following on from Høyer s remarks, BWF Events Director Darren Parks stressed that, for badminton to flourish as a spectator sport, hosts must remind themselves that we are in show business. An event should provide a good entertainment package and great experience which will translate into returning spectators and building audiences, he reasoned. Parks suggested event organisers capitalise on existing elements such as the opening ceremony to create pre-match entertainment hype. Aim to entertain fans when the doors open, he said. You can also build excitement during the approach to start of play by using music, light shows, action sequences, and even daily news briefs. The advent of LED screens for advertising, integration with television, and ways to engage spectators during tournaments were also discussed. Professional sports-presentation companies are an option, added the Events Director, as they bring experience and creative skills to presentations. Meanwhile, BWF Senior Tournament Series Manager, Selvam Supramaniam, showed examples that can create suspense on the field of play, including a countdown clock at the players entrance. Supramaniam also touched on regulation changes while Integrity Unit Manager Andy Hines-Randle spoke about frameworks around the prevention of match-fixing. Hosts were cautioned to be vigilant for court-siders people at matches illegally updating scores for betting websites. Koh Wa Cheng from ESG BWF s commercial partner presented an update from World Superseries title sponsor, MetLife, and offered some simple but effective tips for hosts to foster good rapports with sponsors. It is important for host organisations to enhance AIPS Badminton Commission member, Rajes Paul presents the inaugural AIPS Badminton Commission award for the Best Media Facility 2015 to Singapore Badminton Association CEO, Ronnie Lim. The prize was won by the OUE Singapore Open 2015. non-television platforms to establish and maintain a fan base and translate that into marketable data in which sponsors would be interested. Build your badminton fan base through clubs, schools, previous spectators, volunteers, coaches, camps and social media followers, said Koh. Establish direct communication through newsletters, website and social media. Collect fan data through games and quizzes and arrange your database into usable data, such as demographics and age range. Database is very important to sell the sport to sponsors. John Adamson of IMG Media spoke on television production and the importance of having a reliable and efficient host broadcaster. Other presentations came from BWF Commercial & Communications Director, Owen Leed (media facilities at events) and BWF Development Director, Ian Wright (BWF grassroots programme, Shuttle Time). The day also provided an opportunity for AIPS Badminton Commission member, Rajes Paul, to present the AIPS Best Media Facility 2015 award to Ronnie Lim of the Singapore Badminton Association. The latter won the inaugural prize for the high standards set at last year s OUE Singapore Open which is part of the MetLife BWF World Superseries tour. Representatives of tournament hosts for MetLife BWF World Superseries and BWF Grand Prix Gold Series events.