Badminton coaches trained to deliver inclusive programs for athletes with intellectual disabilities
Sixteen coaches from eight countries across the Asia Pacific region were in Singapore for Shuttle Time, equipping them with skills to deliver inclusive badminton training programs for athletes with intellectual disabilities. The training was a result of a collaboration between Special Olympics Asia Pacific and the Badminton World Federation.
The 2-day workshop, which involved both classroom and on-court training, aims to improve the standards of badminton coaching and increase sports participation for athletes with intellectual disabilities across the Asia Pacific region.
Halevy Haji Abu, from Special Olympics Brunei, hopes that his new-found skills will enable him to train athletes to one day represent their country at the World Games.
He said: “It’s about giving athletes with intellectual disabilities an equal opportunity to develop confidence, shine and achieve their fullest potential, both on and off the badminton court. To witness them come home with a medal would be my dream come true.”
