National Badminton Championships in Cape Town | Western Cape Government

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National Badminton Championships in Cape Town

10 July 2013

The Interprovincial Badminton Tournament in Belhar co-hosts the under-19 South African Open Championship and teams from Zambia and Namibia. The event, taking place from 7 to 13 July 2013, is hosted by the Western Province Badminton Association, supported by Badminton South Africa, the Department of Cultural Affairs and Sport (DCAS) and the City of Cape Town.

The Zambian and Namibian national age group teams compete for top honours in the event. Nineteen teams participate in three sections for the Interprovincial title. After the championship, a South African squad will be selected to compete in the Youth Olympics in China and the African Youth Games in Botswana.

The partners work together to promote and develop junior badminton in the country. The City of Cape Town has embarked on an ambitious programme to significantly increase participation in sport and recreation among all sectors of society. “To this end, we have established recreational hubs across the City that serve as focal points for sport and recreation in communities,” said Mr Gert Bam of the City of Cape Town.

Bam believes that badminton must target all age groups, not only children and youth. “Badminton lends itself very well to participation by adults, seniors and people with a disability. Who better to inspire children and youth to participate than their parents? Sport such as badminton can achieve much more than merely determining champions and awarding trophies and medals,” he said. Bam also encouraged the players to play a role in rebuilding social inclusion in communities by saying, “A family that plays together stays together”.

Boland badminton player Jayson Gerretson says he enjoyed competing in the championships. “The players are very talented and eager to win, as there’s a lot to play for. I’m just glad to represent my region, making new friends and help to promote the sport,” said Gerretson.

Mr Richard Buckley of Western Province Badminton thanked the partners for their contribution and their commitment to develop badminton and to use sport and recreation as a tool to strengthen communities.

Media Enquiries: 

Tania Colyn
Acting Head of Communication Service
Department of Cultural Affairs and Sport
Tel: 021 483 9877
E-mail: Tania.Colyn@westerncape.gov.za