With a recently published full Para badminton calendar for 2022, elite stars and upcoming ones are set to sparkle as the sport grows roots in its global progress.
Getting started in the sport has become even more accessible from two initiatives set out by the Badminton World Federation.
The first is BWF’s National Classifier seminars — combining theoretical and observation sessions to assist National Badminton Associations and National Paralympic Committees in delivering Para badminton events and tournaments in their respective countries.
Anyone interested in Para badminton and athlete classification can attend a National Level 1 Classifier Workshop. A background in medicine or physiotherapy is not required for the course; however, to continue to the National Level 2 Classifier Workshop, a medical or physiotherapy qualification, as well as previous attendance at a National Level 1 Classifier Workshop, is a pre-requisite.
For more information on the National Classifiers, please refer to the BWF Development Website, including information on:
-BWF National Classifier Workshop Calendar 2022
-BWF National Classifier Workshop Application Form
Secondly, supporting BWF’s goal to increase female participation in Para badminton across all classes, the BWF Female Participation Grant reopens for 2022 — offering athletes a chance to apply for financial support to attend and be internationally classified at BWF-sanctioned tournaments annually.
Fifteen female players were among the successful recipients of the BWF Female Participation Grant when they participated in the Uganda Para Badminton International 2021 tournament in Kampala (16–21 November).
Yemurai Ngoma, a Zimbabwean with Guillain-Barré Syndrome, was one of those beneficiaries and utilises Para badminton as a campaigning tool to promote awareness among fellow female athletes about their sexual reproductive health rights and gender violence.
Speaking about the help the grant has afforded her, she said:
“I was made aware of the BWF Para badminton Female Participation Grant by my coaches, who urged me to apply through my Member Association. I was curious to find out what Para badminton was all about, and after training with other players and exploring the numerous opportunities of growth by BWF, I fell in love with the sport.
“Having the opportunity to be an athlete and represent my country and the disabled community means a lot because I’m not only a girl but also a person with a disability. It’s a chance to empower my fellow female athletes through sports, and I thank BWF and BCA.”
New female athletes can apply for financial assistance to attend and be Internationally Classified at a number of BWF sanctioned international competitions in 2022 through the Female Participation Grant.
Athletes must meet the conditions from the BWF for a participation grant to be considered.