SPARC backs Badminton's Commonwealth medal hopes

Media Release
SPARC backs Badminton NZ’s Commonwealth medal hopes

Badminton New Zealand’s high performance programme is currently benefiting from a $600,000 investment from Sport and Recreation New Zealand (SPARC) through to 30 June 2006.

An additional $100,000 has also been allocated to a Director of Coaching position at Badminton NZ for the 2005 and 2006 calendar years. This is a dedicated resource to support coaches and coach development.

SPARC is investing a further $72,000 in Badminton NZ’s sport development programme in 2005.

Badminton NZ athletes and coaches will also receive $162,104 this year through Prime Minister’s Athlete Scholarships and Performance Enhancement Grants. Carded athletes and coaches receive sport science and sport medicine support through SPARC’s high performance network, the New Zealand Academy of Sport.

“This high performance investment is in line with our long term strategy to win more medals at future key events, including the Commonwealth Games next year,” said SPARC Chief Executive, Nick Hill.

Hill said that SPARC’s investment in Badminton NZ’s sport development and coaching programmes was aimed at supporting players of all levels.

“Badminton attracts a high number of players. We want to support and develop players at all levels and encourage continued participation in the sport,” she said.

Badminton NZ Executive Director Peter Dunne said that he was delighted with SPARC’s continued support.

“SPARC’s confidence in Badminton is reflected in the ongoing and increased investment, particularly in our high performance programme,” said Dunne.

Dunne said he was confident that the programmes Badminton NZ had introduced recently would more than sustain the return on investment to date.

“In addition to the obvious emphasis on the Melbourne Commonwealth Games there is also a strong focus on the Under 19 Pan Pacific team which competes in Canada in July and August this year. The players in this team are the players of the future and we expect to see more of them at the Commonwealth Games 2010 and the Olympic Games in 2012,” he said.

Ends.

© Scoop Media