Junior 24 hour badminton …….Charity fundraiser for the Philippines
Friday 3 January 14.00 saw over 30 children embark on a 24 hour session of badminton. The children all members of either the West Midlands Performance Centre (WMPC) and/or Warwickshire Schools Badminton Association (WSBA) in Birmingham.
Like most events the idea started as a bit of banter which within minutes became a firm idea. The main focus was to raise money by playing badminton continuously on one court for 24 hours and donate funds raised to a charity. Stephanie Cartwright-Randle (coach) and Hassan Rajbhai (parent) set about making a list of essential tasks to be completed if the event was to go ahead. Finding a venue that was willing to open all night was going to be a challenge, but as Steph runs badminton sessions she started by asking Synergy at the Calthorpe School, Highgate. Andrew Holden (manager), when asked was more than helpful and agreed to allow the use of the sports hall and leisure facilities FOC and stated that ‘I would feel honoured to be of assistance’. Hassan focused on a charity and contacted John Todd at Mercy in Action who came along to start play on the day. Mercy in Action in conjunction with Who is Hussain is the charity that will benefit from the money raised. John gave a brief description of how he started the charity with his wife and explained how ‘People in the central region of the Philippines have been hit by a devastating storm that has left disaster and chaos in its wake.’ After thanking those present at the start he informed them that ‘Money raised by the children taking part in this Badminton Marathon will go towards helping those living in the Philippines affected by the storm’.
The venue (Synergy) boasts two courts and the intention was to keep one court continuously populated with juniors playing badminton, whilst the other court was open for challenges and general games. Parents, friends and colleagues from a variety of local badminton groups and clubs queued up throughout the 24 hours to play some of the older (15-17) juniors. Which proved very entertaining for the spectators.
The youngest player, Rohan Motwani (7) played his last game just before midnight (his mom waited patiently whilst resting her eyes) and was keen to return early Saturday. His brother Raghav played until almost 2.00 in the morning and returned just after 9. Family members Victoria (10), sister Selina (12) and dad Victor all participated in games on the main court throughout the 24 hours.
raised money through sponsorship and one young player Nurali Rajbhai (12), who was so moved by the TV footage of the floors, set about raising money. He was so motivated and enthusiastic about the events that he raised over £400.00. Well done Nurali!
Total monies raised (to date) is £1400.00 with sponsorship still coming in.
There are many adults and parents that supported this events from its conception back in early December 2013 to its happening on 3rd/4th January. So thanks go to Hassan Rajbhai, Andy Holden, Derek Bevan, Rizvan Sidicot, Shabir Jivraj, Hafiz Meghjee, Victor Liang, all of the Junior players from WMPC and WSBA and parents.
Feedback from all concerned was very encouraging so similar events are already being discussed.
Long awaited dates for the West Midlands Performance Centre summer camp are HERE.
