As we wrap up yet another exhilarating year, it's clear that the world of badminton has been buzzing with activity and progress. Free from the constraints of COVID, badminton has rebounded with a large number of events – and this has also been the case for those organised by BEC’s Development & High Performance team.
In 2023, Badminton Europe has continued orchestrating events and activities in collaboration with our Members. This year has been marked by a blend of traditional events and the introduction of innovative new ones, all aimed at elevating our sport to new heights.
Jacob Oehlenschlaeger, Senior Manager of Development & High Performance, reflects on the year with pride: "For this year and just like every year, our ambition has been to support and assist the development of our Members with our many development projects — several of which have been delivered for some years and are still making a profound difference.”
Celebrating tradition and innovation
The RSL BEC Summer School, a cornerstone event in our calendar, made a triumphant return to Portugal. Complementing this historic event are the RSL BWF/BEC Coach Education courses, which have been and still are instrumental in shaping the next generation of badminton talent through the Level 1, Level 2, and Level 3 courses, as well as through the Fast Track Level 1+2 targeted to professional badminton players or former players.
Badminton Europe’s efforts to foster collaboration and exchange ideas were exemplified by the RSL BEC Regional Projects, with a total of eight projects hosted in seven different countries, and the return of the Danish Badminton Training Culture Experience, part of the BEC BASIS Membership Exchange Programme, with its second edition in Aarhus. These initiatives not only enhance skills but also strengthen the bonds within our community.
A pivotal aspect of our mission is the Shuttle Time programme. This year's Tutors/Trainers course in Bischofsgrün, Germany, and the RSL BEC/BWF TRU & ST Conference in Prague, Czech Republic, have both been significant milestones in promoting badminton at the grassroots level.
The commitment to Para badminton continues to be essential. The BEC/BWF Disability Coaching Workshop in Toledo, Spain, and the RSL BEC Para Badminton Event in Cagliari, Italy, are prime examples of the dedication to making badminton a sport for all.
The inaugural edition of the ADVANCE European Badminton Coaching Education programme was a resounding success and after coming to an end, anticipation builds for a second edition. The World Class Programme continues to foster excellence, with initiatives like the BEC World Class Junior Camp in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, giving some Europe's top young talents a chance at gaining new, valuable experiences.
April marked the launch of the BEC Development Coffee Break, a new engaging online series delving into various Development & High Performance topics. With guests like BWF Development Manager Erica Khoo and BWF Para badminton Expert/Tutor Dina Abouzeid, this series offers invaluable insights into the sport – you can watch all episodes on
YouTube and
Badmintoneurope.tv.
Looking forward to 2024
As we set our sights on 2024, Oehlenschlaeger expresses excitement: "The Development & High Performance team is really looking forward to a busy 2024 in which we will continue helping our Members grow." Stay tuned for more updates on our events and activities!