The Badminton World Federation (BWF) has partnered with Special Olympics International (SOI) to release their Global Development Strategy, aimed at promoting and expanding badminton opportunities for individuals with intellectual disabilities. This collaboration builds on the Memorandum of Understanding signed by the two organizations in 2019.
Growing Badminton and Inclusion
Badminton has been gaining popularity within the Special Olympics community, with over 370,000 players actively participating in the sport worldwide. In just a year, between 2018 and 2019, an additional 62,000 Special Olympics athletes, both with and without intellectual disabilities, joined the sport. This remarkable growth highlights the potential for badminton to reach even more players globally.
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Four Key Results Areas
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The new strategy developed by BWF and SOI focuses on four key areas: Development, Events, Partnerships, and Communication. These key areas will guide the implementation of the strategy, with the support of regional and national partners associated with both organizations.
A Sport for All
Poul-Erik Høyer, President of BWF, emphasized the organization’s commitment to inclusivity, stating that badminton is a sport for everyone. The strategy aims to create more avenues for children and adults with intellectual disabilities to experience badminton consistently.
“We have seen a significant increase in the uptake of badminton among Special Olympics athletes globally. This success is a testament to our collaboration with SOI,” said Høyer.
Making a Real Impact
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The partnership between BWF and SOI has already yielded positive outcomes. In the past year, 16 new national-level federation partnerships have been established, joining national Special Olympics programs with national badminton federations. Five of these partnerships facilitated the introduction of badminton into Special Olympics programs in countries such as Fiji, Guam, Papua New Guinea, Lithuania, and Norway.
Tim Shriver, Chairman of SOI, commended BWF and its association members for involving Special Olympics in the development of this strategic plan. He highlighted the significance of equipping every Special Olympics athlete with a badminton racket, as it fosters improved health, promotes friendships through sport, and cultivates more inclusive communities.
To learn more about the BWF and SOI partnership, visit Carnegiecentre.
FAQs
Q: What is the purpose of the Global Development Strategy by BWF and SOI?
A: The Global Development Strategy aims to expand badminton opportunities for individuals with intellectual disabilities, fostering inclusivity within the sport.
Q: How has badminton grown within the Special Olympics community?
A: Between 2018 and 2019, an additional 62,000 Special Olympics athletes, with and without intellectual disabilities, joined badminton, making it a fast-developing sport within the Special Olympics world.
Q: What are the key areas of focus in the strategy?
A: The strategy focuses on four key areas: Development, Events, Partnerships, and Communication. These areas will guide the implementation of the strategy.
Conclusion
The collaboration between BWF and SOI is set to transform badminton into a sport that truly embraces inclusivity. Through their Global Development Strategy, they aim to create more opportunities for individuals with intellectual disabilities to engage in badminton, fostering improved health, friendships, and more inclusive communities. The partnership has already seen tangible results, with the introduction of badminton into several national Special Olympics programs. By working together, BWF and SOI are making a real impact in the world of badminton and beyond.
Nguồn: https://carnegiecentre.com
Danh mục: Tin tức
