A Transformative Journey for Badminton in South Greenland
This autumn, the Badminton Association embarked on an ambitious initiative in South Greenland, led by consultant and coach Miko Kongstad. The mission? To uplift local clubs, inspire coaches, and strengthen the collaboration between the association and the dedicated volunteers within the badminton community.
This journey was made possible through the generous support of multiple stakeholders, including Timersoqatigiit Kattuffiat (the Greenland Sports Federation), the Badminton World Federation via the Badminton Europe Confederation, the Municipality of Kujalleq, and local clubs. Such a blend of international, municipal, and community support has allowed for a trip that not only enhances training environments but also reinforces the core mission of the association.
Investing in Club Development and Volunteerism
During his travels, Miko Kongstad made stops in four cities: Narsaq, Nanortalik, Paamiut, and Qaqortoq. Although the initial plan was to visit three locations, flight delays opened the door for an unexpected but welcome additional training session in Qaqortoq.
“Reaching out to four clubs instead of three is a tremendous boon for our association,” Miko remarked, his laughter a clear indication of his optimism. “It speaks volumes about the interest and flexibility within the local communities. Sometimes a setback like a flight delay can yield unexpected benefits.”
In the span of several weeks, Miko took the reins for club training—spending three weeks each in Narsaq and Nanortalik, and one week in Paamiut. His efforts extended beyond merely training sessions; he also engaged with volunteer boards, offering them innovative tools and fresh inspiration for daily club operations. The aim was clear: to deepen the appreciation for badminton and foster improved communication between the association and its clubs.
“It’s about providing professional support but also recognizing the incredible dedication displayed by volunteers,” Miko stated proudly.
Bringing Badminton to the Classroom with Shuttle Time
A key highlight of this journey was the implementation of “Shuttle Time”—an educational program designed by the Badminton World Federation (BWF). This initiative equips schools with the means to incorporate badminton into their physical education offerings, provided they have a certified instructor.
As a certified Shuttle Time instructor, Miko took the opportunity to educate elementary school teachers, support staff, and local club coaches in Paamiut. Although plans were initially in place to extend similar sessions to Nanortalik, those were postponed due to misunderstandings within the school.
“Shuttle Time is a fantastic avenue for reaching more children and youth,” Miko said, looking ahead to the potential for future implementation in Nanortalik.
A Bright Future Awaits
After this extensive visit to South Greenland, it is evident that badminton is thriving in the region. There is palpable enthusiasm among club members, and the players exhibit a strong desire for development. Miko’s participation has provided these clubs with renewed energy and practical tools to enhance their training and organizational skills.
“The future of badminton in South Greenland looks promising,” he reflected, his tone optimistic.
For Miko, who has a deep connection to the sport as a former national team player for Greenland, this journey has been about giving back. While the travel and commitments have been demanding, the satisfaction derived from contributing to badminton’s growth far outweighs the challenges.
“Of course, it requires a lot of energy to travel and teach for such an extended period,” he acknowledged. “But the joy of contributing to the sport’s development is significantly greater. This trip has not only provided both me and the association with valuable insights but has also confirmed just how much badminton means to the community here.”
Looking Ahead
With this successful trip, the Badminton Association aims to establish a closer, more continuous partnership with the clubs in South Greenland, ensuring the continued growth of badminton—not only as a competitive sport but also as an integral part of school physical education.
As for Miko, he plans to return next year, ready to share his knowledge and passion once again. Whether his next destination is north or east remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: badminton in Greenland is poised for expansion, strengthening its training infrastructures and fostering a collaborative spirit within the community.