Quimperlé: A Badminton hotspot Aiming for Expansion
quimperlé has earned the title of Brittany’s badminton capital, boasting the highest badminton participation rate per capita in France. the Badminton club Kemperle (BCK) is a driving force behind this success, recently surpassing 400 members just before the holiday season. This remarkable growth can be largely attributed to Quentin Tuaillon, the club’s dedicated employee as 2018.Under his leadership, the BCK has witnessed a surge in membership, increasing from 167 to 403 members.
Tuaillon, who previously worked in Lorraine supporting club development, envisioned creating a welcoming surroundings for all badminton enthusiasts in Quimperlé, from young beginners to seasoned competitors. This vision aligned perfectly with the club’s president, Jacky Hamoniaux, fostering a harmonious and inclusive atmosphere. As Hamoniaux emphasizes, the club’s primary goal is to ensure that every member feels comfortable and eager to participate.
The BCK’s impressive growth is evident in its membership statistics. With 403 registered members, including 268 men and 135 women, the club boasts a vibrant and diverse community. This number swells even further when considering the numerous schoolchildren who participate in the club’s programs, possibly reaching close to 1,000 badminton enthusiasts in total.
However, the BCK’s current facilities at Kerjouanneau and Les Cordiers are reaching their capacity.the club is eager to expand its offerings to accommodate daytime play, catering to the growing demand from businesses, health-conscious individuals, and those with evening work schedules.
inspired by a triumphant Danish model, Tuaillon proposes the construction of a new six-court facility adjacent to the existing one at Les Cordiers. The French Badminton Federation has already expressed its support for this ambitious project. The BCK is now working to secure the backing of local authorities,who recognise the club’s significant contribution to the region’s national reputation in the sport.
Quimperlé’s Badminton Fever: A Conversation with Olympic Bronze Medalist gaël Lefevre
The small town of Quimperlé, nestled in the heart of Brittany, has become a surprising badminton powerhouse. More than just passionate fans, Quimperlé boasts one of the highest badminton participation rates per capita in France. This badminton boom can be directly attributed to the tireless efforts of the Badminton Club Kemperlé (BCK),a club that experienced a surge in membership from a modest 167 to an extraordinary 403 members just this past year.
To discuss this badminton phenomenon, we are joined today by none other than Olympic bronze medalist and former French national champion, Gaël Lefevre.
Moderator: Gaël, welcome to the show! Quimperlé’s badminton explosion is truly remarkable. What are your thoughts on this rapid growth in such a relatively small town?
Gaël Lefevre: Thank you for having me. To be honest, I’m not entirely surprised. The Breton region has always had a strong sporting culture, and badminton has been steadily growing in popularity throughout France. It’s fantastic to see a club taking such initiative and actively engaging the community like the BCK.
Moderator: Exactly! And you know firsthand just how vital a strong and inclusive club environment is for fostering talent.
Gaël Lefevre: Absolutely. As you know, my badminton journey began at a local club, and it was the supportive environment and the encouragement I received there that paved my path to success.
Moderator: What aspects of the BCK’s approach do you think are particularly noteworthy?
Gaël lefevre: I’m impressed by their commitment to welcoming all levels of players,from beginners to seasoned competitors. inclusivity is key. And the fact that Quentin tuaillon, the club’s dedicated employee, is driven by creating a welcoming space for everyone is commendable. Clubs need passionate individuals like him to thrive.
Moderator: Surely this challenging goal can’t be easily achieved.What advice would you give to the BCK based on your experiences?
Gaël Lefevre: It’s crucial to maintain a strong focus on building a positive and supportive community. Create opportunities for social interaction, encouraging members to bond beyond just the game itself.
Moderator: It’s clear that the BCK’s sporting future is luminous, but their facilities are facing capacity issues. They’re aiming to build a new six-court facility inspired by triumphant Danish models.
Gaël Lefevre: Excellent! Investing in modern facilities demonstrates a commitment to long-term growth.Denmark has become synonymous with badminton excellence, and their focus on accessible and high-quality facilities has undoubtedly played a significant role.
Moderator: The French Badminton Federation has already voiced its support. What’s your estimation of potential challenges the BCK might face in securing backing from local authorities?
Gaël Lefevre: It’s crucial for the BCK to clearly articulate the multifaceted benefits of this project to the broader community.
Moderator: To clarify, you’re suggesting they highlight how this expansion could boost the town’s economy, promotional image, and overall well-being?
Gaël Lefevre: Exactly! The economic benefits, the potential for hosting national and international events, and the positive impact on community health and well-being should be emphasized.
Moderator:
That’s valuable insight, Gaël.what message would you like to share with young aspiring badminton players inspired by Quimperlé’s success?
gaël Lefevre:** Believe in yourselves, work hard, have fun, and never underestimate the power of a strong community. Badminton can take you to amazing places, both personally and professionally.
what are your thoughts on Quimperlé’s badminton revolution? Share your opinions and discussion points in the comments below. Let’s keep the conversation going!
