Childhood Days:
I was born and raised in Jamaica, coming from a diverse background. My father was Chinese, and he moved to Jamaica when he was young. My mother is Jamaican of Chinese descent. Growing up, my parents worked as managers in a family-owned supermarket, which meant I spent a significant amount of time there. Although sports didn’t play a major role in my life until later in high school, my early exposure to badminton came from my uncle, who used to compete in the sport. At that time, I didn’t have much interest in badminton, as it was just something we did for fun.
Changing Impressions:
Even in high school, I wasn’t particularly drawn to badminton. It was simply an activity to pass the time. It wasn’t until I was around 14 or 15 years old that I started playing badminton with my family and friends in the evenings when the weather was calm. It was a fun way to spend time together, and since I already played tennis, the similarities between the two sports intrigued me. However, it wasn’t until I started taking badminton more seriously a few years later that I truly began to appreciate the speed and power of the game, especially when watching top players in Jamaica.
Deep Association:
By the time I turned 19, I found myself frequenting the badminton hall in the evenings after work. Whenever I could, I would rent a court, but if not, I would simply observe others playing from the stands. It was during this time that my love for the sport grew, and I started making friends with members of the national team who trained there. In exchange for a ride to Burger King, I would join them on the court and participate in their training drills. This experience allowed me to immerse myself in the sport and further develop my skills.
A Mentor Comes Along:
After about a year of playing in the D division, I approached a friend who played in the B division and asked if he would be my doubles partner in the A division. Our opponents in the first round happened to be Dr. Kingsley Ford, who is now my coach, and his partner Paul Leyow, the number one pair on the island. Although we lost the match, Dr. Kingsley took the time to provide me with valuable feedback on my performance. I then asked if he would be willing to train me. After a probation period of four months, I was given the opportunity to train with the national team. Within a year, I began assisting Dr. Kingsley with coaching the team. His selfless dedication to the sport and his mentorship played a significant role in my continued involvement in badminton and my desire to give back to the sport that has given me so much.
What Badminton Means:
Badminton has become an integral part of my life. I am actively involved in coaching and contributing to the education of coaches. Additionally, I string rackets for some of the top players in Jamaica through a contract with a local sports store. I am dedicated to building the sport and while it can be tiring at times, I still find joy in it. Badminton is a sport that welcomes people of all ages, genders, skill levels, and races. It can be as easy or as challenging as you make it. At the highest level, it is considered one of the toughest sports in the world due to its speed, power, and explosiveness. It is a thinking person’s sport, as strategic tactics are just as important as physical prowess.
Developing Badminton in the Community:
Promoting badminton within communities in Jamaica has been a rewarding experience for me. It has allowed me to connect with new people and explore different places. More importantly, I find immense satisfaction in introducing the sport to individuals who primarily engage in traditional sports, watching as they become enthralled by the game.
Making an Impact:
Through programs like Shuttle Time, badminton has made a significant impact in my region by actively targeting schools and younger children. This initiative has not only introduced the sport to kids but has also provided training to teachers, ensuring that the sport is passed on to new students each year, thereby increasing its visibility and exposure.
Lessons from Shuttle Time:
One of the things I truly appreciate about badminton is its ability to bridge gaps. Through my involvement in the Shuttle Time program, I have had the opportunity to explore various locations in Jamaica and around the world that I might not have otherwise visited. It has broadened my horizons and allowed me to connect with people from different backgrounds through our shared love for the sport.
Nguồn: https://carnegiecentre.com
Danh mục: Tin tức
