Knowetop Primary pupils enjoy badminton carnival

Nov 26 2009 by Andrew McGilvray, Hamilton Advertiser

PUPILS from Knowetop Primary in Motherwell joined over 3000 other children from across Scotland at this year’s Bank of Scotland Play Badminton carnival at the Kelvin Hall International Sports Arena.

Those involved enjoyed two-hour sessions, took part in a range of activities and received coaching in the basics of the game from expert BADMINTONscotland coaches and sport students.

The children were also given an opportunity to indulge in a bit of fun when they challenged their coaches to a game of badminton, as well as taking part in a fitness challenge.

Pupils competed to win badminton racquets donated by Yonex, and T-shirts and water bottles provided by the Bank of Scotland.

Around 1000 youngsters have benefited from the carnivals in the last two months alone in areas such as Lanarkshire and Edinburgh.

Development manager Russell Hogg and his team have been overseeing the week-long carnivals and is delighted with the response.

He said: “We are very pleased to once again have this opportunity to bring badminton to young people.

“I’m optimistic that this carnival will encourage many of the children who take part to get more involved with badminton.”

Susan Rice, managing director for Lloyds Banking Group Scotland, commented: “The Bank of Scotland Play Badminton carnivals are a fantastic way to introduce young people to the sport.

“Children of all abilities have the chance to participate, even if they have never picked up a badminton racquet before.”