INNISFAIL – The second annual Innisfail Middle-High Badminton Invitational Tournament was another success.
The two-day event, hosted by Innisfail High School, ran April 6 from 4 to 9 p.m. and April 7 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Lisa Weiss, badminton coach and tournament coordinator, said this year’s event was well organized and well presented.
“We’ve worked out the kinks from last year,” said Weiss. “The changes in how it’s organized and where students report to has made things run a bit smoother.”
“Friday went really, really smoothly and it ended a little bit earlier than (planned),” she added.
Students in grades 7 through 12 participated in round robin matches prior to playoffs, and before the semifinals and finals of the tournament.
About 20 schools, with some individual entries, from across Central Alberta competed in the tournament, said Weiss. They included schools from Carstairs, Ponoka, Olds, Stettler Red Deer, Innisfail, Penhold and Bowden.
This year's organizational format was done a bit differently, she noted, pointing out a simpler way of keeping scores for participants.
“We had the students and parent volunteers manning each of the courts,” said Weiss. “The grade 9s were on one side and the high school, in grades 10 to 12, were on the other side. They just had one spot (for scoring) they had to go to depending on their grade.”
The tournament began Friday afternoon with singles matches, followed by doubles and mixed doubles on Saturday.
Weiss said the tournament received significant support from everyone involved, including parents and teachers, and the students themselves enjoyed competing in the event.
“We have gold, silver and bronze medals for each category and so far (competition) has been pretty good,” said Weiss, adding for many the experience wasn’t just about earning a medal. “Even the kids who didn’t win their pool or (had) their first badminton experience, they still have smiles on their faces,” she added.
“It’s a learning experience, and for some of these kids it’s the first time they’ve ever been in a competition outside gym class in school.”
Weiss said badminton is a great sport that teaches students about hard work and teamwork, as well as helping them stay active.
“With badminton you’re very much relying on yourself in singles competition, but then it also teaches you teamwork working with a partner (in doubles),” said Weiss.
“I think it gives the opportunity for a lot of kids to play a sport."
