March kickstarts busy badminton season

BADMINTON Eastland hits the court running this month, with the start of club play, a season-opening tournament and several new initiatives.

“Already this year Atawhai Charitable Trust is hiring the centre (next to the YMCA) regularly in the mornings,” Badminton Eastland treasurer Linda White said.

“Gisborne Intermediate has started its programme after school on Mondays, a junior group has started after school on Mondays at Tolaga Bay Area School and Wednesday secondary school badminton has commenced.”

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A social morning club for people of all ages — some in their 80s — runs each Monday from 9.30am to 11am. Interested people should contact Leslie (867-2584).

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The Kiwi Badminton Club starts on March 6 and will run each Monday from 4.30pm to 5.30pm. It is for Year 3 to 7 students. Contact Scott (027-350-9482) with any inquiries.

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Representative players Gabe Perano and Hamish Ledger will be running the Junior Badminton Club from March 6 from 6pm to 7pm. This is for Y8 to Y10 players. Contact Gabe (027-248-2729) or email kim.gabe@xtra.co.nz with inquiries.

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Gisborne Badminton Club starts its season at the centre on March 6 from 7pm to 9pm.

Anyone with inquiries should contact Kevin (867-1416).

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Patutahi Badminton Club starts its season at the Patutahi community hall on March 7 from 7.30pm. Contact Ron (862-7783) with any inquiries.

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A season-opening tournament is being held over three Wednesday nights — March 8, 15 and 22 — from 6pm.

It will be a doubles and mixed doubles tournament with each player guaranteed three matches a night.

“This is the first tournament for the season so we would like to see as many players as possible,” White said.

“All levels and grades are catered for.”

Inquiries should go to Linda (862-7777) or rere-white@clear.net.nz

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Coaching continues to be available, and interested players should contact Hamish (027-445-6234).

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“Shuttle time” is available to schools. Coaches will be available. Any inquiries should go to Linda (862-7777).

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Badminton Eastland’s annual meeting has been rescheduled to Sunday, March 12, from 5pm at the centre.

“The committee cannot express how important it is for all players who have an investment in the game to attend this meeting — be they club players, representative players, parents/caregivers of players or supporters,” White said.

“We all enjoy our sport and need to support it in whatever way we can.”