Singles specialist: Stella Perano joined the top-division under-17 Waikato team after Eastland Badminton could not form a team for the junior nationals. Competition was tougher than expected, and Waikato finished sixth. Waikato Badminton picture
Singles specialist: Stella Perano joined the top-division under-17 Waikato team after Eastland Badminton could not form a team for the junior nationals. Competition was tougher than expected, and Waikato finished sixth. Waikato Badminton picture
Gisborne's Stella Perano was part of the under-17 Waikato team who placed sixth in Division 1 of the junior badminton nationals in Palmerston North this month.
After Eastland Badminton was unable to form a team — they needed five boys and five girls — Perano was “adopted” into the Waikatoteam.
She said her team had a goal of finishing in the top three, but that was a lofty ambition.
“The level (of play) was higher than we expected,” she said.
The singles specialist said it was a great experience and one that she would take part in again if she had the opportunity.
“It'd be even better if we got a team from Eastland.”
Perano wanted to thank the badminton community for the support she received. The Eastland committee donated $100 and paid for her training fees, and the Gisborne Masters team donated $300.
