BWF and UNOSDP in ‘Grassroots’ Partnership
Badminton World Federation and the United Nations Office on Sport for Development and Peace (UNOSDP) today signed a Letter of Intent to collaborate – using BWF’s Shuttle Time programme – on grassroots development.
Cooperation will primarily be channelled through the UNOSDP Youth Leadership Programme which BWF has already supported this year with Shuttle Time training at camps in Colombia, Germany and the USA receiving great feedback. Next year, BWF will support four Youth Leadership Camps with the provision of resources and tutors who will deliver an adapted Shuttle Time course to Youth Leaders. BWF will facilitate opportunities for Youth Leaders to become involved in Shuttle Time projects in their country in partnership with BWF continental confederations and member associations.
Today’s signing ceremony took place at Stade Pierre de Coubertin in Paris where the Yonex French Open 2015 is ongoing while BWF is at the same time holding its year-end committee and Council meetings. UN Special Adviser on Sport for Development and Peace, Wilfried Lemke, joined BWF President Poul-Erik Høyer in formalizing the agreement between the two organisations and upheld badminton as a great sport through which “to support people from disadvantaged backgrounds; to give them a chance in society”.
“The aim of the Youth Leadership Programme is to teach disadvantaged youth, at the grassroots level, how to use sport to bring about positive transformation in their communities. Badminton has recognized potential for accelerating development and peace efforts, and through the Shuttle Time training it will become a valuable asset to young role models striving to change the world for better.
“This is a win-win situation. We can do something for you and you can do something for us,” said Lemke, adding that he was enthralled by badminton having watched Indian star, Saina Nehwal’s match last evening.
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