Families invited to badminton day

John Van Klaveren
GEELONG Badminton Centre will launch a $150,000 upgrade with a family-oriented come-and-try day this month.
The upgrade includes a new playing surface, court lines and internal cladding, with the club carrying out the project in conjunction with City of Greater Geelong.
Badminton Geelong president Greg Smith said the launch was aimed at raising awareness of the sport of badminton in the city and the well-equipped facilities available for players
“We’re hoping to attract new and lapsed players as well as provide encouragement and support to current players and members,” Smith said.
“The come-and-try day is aimed at families so they can discover the attractions of the sport during a leisurely and fun-filled Sunday afternoon.”
Mr Smith said the recently completed work meant the six-court Geelong Badminton Centre was among the best facilities for the sport in the state.
He said members of the Australian representative badminton squad had been invited to conduct playing clinics and put on a demonstration match.
Geelong also had a number of representatives in the Victorian junior development squad who will participate in the come-and-try day, Smith said.
Leading local badminton players would also be on hand to take new players through the basics.
“We’ll have giveaways of court hire vouchers, racquets, shuttles, grips and restrings and free food and drinks,” Smith said.
A Badminton Geelong survey had revealed almost 95 per cent of the organisation’s 350 members enjoyed the sport for its year-round accessibility, strong social aspect of the game and the allowance it made for all skill levels.
Smith said the survey found that players considered badminton as a great way to remain fit and healthy with an “extremely low” injury rate.
The come-and-try day will run from 2pm to 5pm on July 25 at Geelong Badminton Centre, part of the City’s Leisuretime facility in Anakie Road, Bell Post Hill.