World badminton to work with police on youth crime prevention project

The project will run from 10-13 December, with police officers receiving badminton coaching training so they can deliver regular activities and build stronger relationships with young people in their communities.

The initiative forms part of the BWF's involvement in the Global Sport for Good Initiative, which aims to use sport to improve well-being, promote inclusion and develop life skills.

The project follows the inaugural BWF Community Coach Educators Workshop in Cairo, Egypt, in October, where 12 coach education and Shuttle Time tutors from around the world received training in community engagement and social impact.

The participants will form a global network of Community Educators supporting BWF programmes, with seed funding available to help establish local projects.

“Badminton changes lives. It brings people together, builds confidence, creates opportunities and strengthens communities,” said BWF president Khunying Patama Leeswadtrakul.

“By developing a global network of Community Educators and launching innovative projects such as our pilot initiative in Costa Rica, we're demonstrating how badminton can be a powerful force for social impact, strengthening communities and helping young people thrive both on and off the court.”

International Olympic Committee sports director Pierre Ducrey said collaboration across the Olympic Movement could help extend the benefits of sport to more young people and underserved communities.