The Badminton Association strengthens club work in South Greenland

During autumn has the Badminton Association had consultant and trainer Miko Kongstad on a long journey in South Greenland with focus on supporting the local clubs, giving the coaches new inspiration and strength the collaboration between the association and the voluntary forces in the badminton environment.

The journey has been possible thanks to the support of Timersoqatigiit Kattuffiat (Greenland Sports Federation), Badminton World Federation through Badminton Europe Confederation, Municipality of Kujalleq and the local clubs. The combination of international, municipal and local support has made it possible to implement a trip that both strengthens the training environment and the association's work.

During autumn has the Badminton Association had consultant and trainer Miko Kongstad on a long journey in South Greenland with focus on supporting the local clubs, giving the coaches new inspiration and strength the collaboration between the association and the voluntary forces in the badminton environment.

The journey has been possible thanks to the support of Timersoqatigiit Kattuffiat (Greenland Sports Federation), Badminton World Federation through Badminton Europe Confederation, Municipality of Kujalleq and the local clubs. The combination of international, municipal and local support has made it possible to implement a trip that both strengthens the training environment and the association's work.

Focus on club development and volunteering

During the trip, Miko Kongstad has been passing four cities: Narsaq, Nanortalik, Paamiut and Qaqortoq. Originally was the visit plan three cities, but due to flight delays there was also time for one extra stop in Qaqortoq, where a club training session was held.

- To reach out to four clubs instead three is very positive for the association. This testifies to the great interest and flexibility found in the local environments. And then you have to say that there after all, something good can come out of flight delays, says Miko with a laugh.

During the stay in the South Greenlandic cities, Miko Kongstad has been responsible for all club training - three weeks in Narsaq, three weeks in Nanortalik and one week in Paamiut. In addition, he has held meetings and talks with the voluntary boards to give them sparring, inspiration and new tools for daily club work. The aim has been to strengthen the breadth in badminton and create better communication between the association and the clubs.

- It's about giving the clubs professional support support, but also recognition for their great efforts. One will be provided impressive piece of voluntary work all around, says Miko proudly.

Shuttle Time brings badminton into the schools

An important element of the trip has been the Shuttle Time educational program developed by Badminton World Federation (BWF). The program makes it possible for schools to include badminton physical education – and requires a certified teacher to stay completed. Miko Kongstad, who is trained as a Shuttle Time instructor through BWF, in this connection has taught primary school teachers, support pedagogues and locals club coaches in Paamiut. The plan was that the program should also be held in Nanortalik, but due to internal misunderstandings at the school it was postponed.

- Shuttle Time is a great way to get badminton out to even more children and young people on We hope it can too will be carried out in Nanortalik on a later occasion, says Miko.

Although Shuttle Time was only completed in Paamiut this time, the project has shown how much potential lies in that bring badminton into schools – and thus ensure that even more children get to enjoyment of the sport in the future.

Great optimism for the future

After the visit to South Greenland, it is clear, that badminton has a strong foundation in the region. The club environments are buzzing commitment, and the players show a great desire to develop. Miko Kongstads effort has given the clubs new energy and concrete tools to lift their training and organization.

- This bodes well for the future of badminton South Greenland, Miko says with a smile in her voice.

Miko himself has a long history with badminton. As a former national team player for Greenland, he has the sport completely under the skin – and a deep passion for developing it further. The trip through South Greenland has required both time and commitment, but for Miko it is precisely the joy by giving something back to the sport that drives him.

- Of course it requires a lot of energy to traveling around and teaching for so long, but the joy of contributing to badminton's development is far greater. The trip has given both me and the association valuable insight – and a confirmation of how much sport means to people here, says Miko.

With the trip, the Badminton Association hopes to have laid the foundation for a closer and more continuous collaboration with the clubs in South Greenland – and to a future where badminton continues to grow, both as an association sport and as part of the schools' physical education. And the journey doesn't stop here. Already next year, Miko is leaving again to share his knowledge and passion for the sport. Whether the trip goes north or east is yet to be seen - but one thing is certain: badminton in Greenland will not only become wider, but also stronger, with even better training and club environments that grow in both quality and cooperation.