A Central Otago REAP learner’s love of badminton has led local organisations to collaborate to revive the sport in Alexandra.
Choices programme participant Brayden Avery, along with support from Alexandra Newcomers Network and Sport Central, is organising a fun session at Molyneux Stadium for people to try the sport.
Alexandra Newcomers Network member Heather Harries said Brayden was the heart behind the initiative.
“Our idea is to get everyone in the room and see the interest. He sparked the idea initially and he is the soul behind it.’’
The session would bring the community together to connect through sports and fun, and participants could contribute to plans for the future of the club, Heather said.
“We’ll find out what people want and how we can move forward, perhaps with getting a committee together or organising more matches.”
Heather said previous newcomers network events included wine tasting, curling and cycling.
She hoped to attract different ethnicities and more varied cultural groups through offering sports such as badminton.
Sport Central sport and recreation adviser Ben Hamilton said badminton was a very accessible and easy-to-learn sport.
It provided a great workout while promoting social interactions through doubles play.
“Its low impact on joints makes it suitable for all ages and fitness levels, making it a fantastic choice for both newcomers and those returning after a break,’’ he said.
Racquets and shuttlecocks would be provided for all the courts, so people just needed to come along.
The Have a Go session is at Molyneux Stadium on October 24 between 5.30pm and 7.30pm.
