the Shuttler - V3 I1 by Badminton Ontario

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coaches corner london 2012 special where are they now? tournament info bentley racquets

With Lee Jae Bok. Question for the coach? Send an email to theshuttler@badmintonontario.ca

A full timeline of the wonderful story of Bruce Li

Robbyn Hermitage set her sights on the Olympics at a young age. Did she make it?

Updated Ontario, Canadian and World rankings as well as the Banner Race

A young couple re-ignite their passion for badminton and dig up an old treasure in the meantime.

girls just wanna have fun Soong Badminton Academyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s all-girls program is booming. How you can run this program too!

Badminton Ontario 209-3 Concorde Gate Toronto, Ontario M3C 3N7 tel: 416 426 7195 fax: 416 426 7346 www.badmintonontario.ca info@badmintonontario.ca Board of Directors President: Eduardo Gregorio

eduardo.gregorio@badmintonontario.ca

Vice-President: Dave Kumar dave.kumar@badmintonontario.ca

Treasurer: Jeff Sum

jeff.sum@badmintonontario.ca

Director: Warren Brownlee

warren.brownlee@badmintonontario.ca

Director: Eric Lee

eric.lee@badmintonontario.ca

Director: Anne Lim

District Presidents TDBA: Linda Lee 2lclee@rogers.com

WOBA: Jeff Goldsworthy goldy@golden.net

anne.lim@badmintonontario.ca

Director: Jordan Hearn

jordan.hearn@badmintonontario.ca

Director: Harrison Choy

hcbadminton@gmail.com

Director: Boris Chiu

boriswingchiu@hotmail.com

Director: Kevin Willington kevin.willington@hotmail.com

ODBA: Fei Tam kanatajrbc@yahoo.ca

COBA: Russ Le Blanc russleblanc@rogers.com

NOBA: Kerri MacDonald kerri.macdonald@dsb1.edu.on.ca

GBDBA: Suzanne Vallis howarthsuzanne@hotmail.com

Badminton Ontario gratefully acknowledges the funding support of the Ontario Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport

Above: Alex Bruce and Michelle Li hug after winning their quarter final match against Australia at the 2012 London Olympics. For the full story, turn to page 7. 3

k Jae Bo e e L with

S E H C A

R E N R O

Transforming yourself from a good player to the best player I am delighted to be asked to write an article for the Shuttler Magazine. I have been involved in badminton for more then 40 years as player and coach in different countries in the world, both east and west. I always found out that there are differences between good players and the best player regardless if they are from the East or West.

tion 21:16 and 21:17. After six months A lost again to B 21:15 and 21:17. I ask A player following questions: LJB: “Did you run at 6am in the morning?” (Please note that it is just examples. I do not mean you must get up 6am to be the winner.) PLAYER: “No that is too early for me!” LJB: “I ask you to have just two-three day light holiday, did you do that?”

Let’s say two players are playing a match against each other. They are playing on same PLAYER: “No I have to enjoy my life so I went size of court, both are using one racket, two for a two week holiday to a sea side!” legs and two arms, and both of them are given LJB: “Did you 24 hours in each day. Every All players use one racquet, two train with the condition is same to both players but one, most of the legs and two arms, and all of coach?” time, reaches semis and finals and the other, most of them are given 24 hours in each PLAYER: “No the time, loses first or second day. Every condition is same but he is too hard, I need more round. Why? one will win and one will lose. tactics and more decepWhat makes this? I would Why? tions!” - Withlike to say that it is each playout fitness, no tactic and deception works. er’s choice to be the winner and loser. Now everyone would like to ask me, “What are you LJB: “Did you spend time to watch the top playtalking about Lee?” ers and your opponent’s match clips during evening times?” “There is no one who would choose to lose!” PLAYER: “No I forgot and I was too busy!” Let me explain first about this before I get on my main point of this article. Let’s say A player Now let me ask you a question, who will win? normally trains 3 hours a day, 5 days a week. The result of the two players match is already There is B player who trains 5 hours a day, 6 decided before the competition. It would be unfair and not possible to understand if A beats B. days a week. More frustrating thing is A is hoping to beat B. One day A player lost to B player at a competiA players’ badminton association is hoping for

A to get a medal. It is similar to someone try to have funeral when no one died. Simply, it will not happen. Every player has choices. The choices of A and B are different and that makes the result different too. Badminton is player B’s life. Badminton is more important than anything else to B. He breathes, sleeps and eats badminton. On the other side, badminton is one of many choices to player A. Nobody forced A to choose badminton that way, it is purely player A’s choice. Now, I would like to talk about the key factors and choices a player may have in those factors which will make the player to be a winner or loser in competition. 1. Make the basic solid People get healthier by eating potatoes and rice rather then eating cakes. Many players ignore basic practice such as simple movement practice, simple stroke skills, simple drills and simple fitness training which must be done everyday. With out this basic solid, no advanced deception and no advanced tactic will work. Because of simply player can get to the shuttlecock early enough so there will be more errors and if player cannot get behind shuttlecock no deception can be done. Everything will start from the basic. Do you mean there will be NO MORE ERRORS because the player has established basic skills? 2. Volume practice Some players are happy to understand a skill by his brain. Players must understand a skill by their muscle and nerve system. In a real match, there is no time to think and choose a skill. It has to be done automatically. To be in this stage, player must repeat skill so many times. Simply, one player is doing 30 drop shots at practice in one day and the other player is doing 300 drop shots at practice one day. After one year who’s drop shot will be more accurate and make less errors in real match?

Lee Jae Bok is a former Korean single, doubles and mixed champion, former Korean national coach, former English national coach and English National Team Coaching Advisor, as well as the former British Olympic Coach. He has been a key speaker at national and international coaching conferences and has 40 years of playing and coaching experience in both Asia and Europe. He is able to see the strengths and weaknesses of both the eastern and western styles and applies the best possible approach to coaching. Now, he has joined the coaching team at Lee’s Badminton Training Centre. 3. Own extra training There are 10 players on a team. All of the players are training with a coach two hours, 5 days a week. Nine players do nothing after the team session but one of them always spend one hour for his own extra training. He has been doing the extra training in the place no other team member can see. So no body knows he is doing that. While the player is doing his own secret training all others are doing computer games, watching TV and chatting with each other and so on. Would you be surprised if the team member doing extra practice beat everyone else? It is so important for the player to do own extra training who want be a winner. Not only will the player be physically stronger because of the extra training, he will believe 100% that he can beat others because he knows that he did something when everyone is resting. Furthermore, he decided what to do rather then always did the things his coach ask him to do. This means that he has his own understanding of what important things to practice by himself to beat others. The player with no extra training player will be anybody, but the player who does extra training will be somebody in badminton.

session as last session in his life. He will be mentally ready for the session same way as if a priest is ready for his church ceremony. Even if a player trains with such high quality, he will lose many matches on the way to the top. With what reasons would the other one would be able to reach to the top? It is simply not possible. Just imagine a player whose focus and concentration is as sharp as broken glass during training, and the other player focus and concentration is as soft as soap in a bathroom. After 5 years, if the two players play against each other, who will win? 5. Beat yourself first before you try beat your opponent A real opponent is not your true opponent it is yourself. If I cannot beat myself then I have no chance of beating my opponent. There are many players who get angry if they lose. They put their emotions to their opponent. One mistake brings more mistakes because they get frustrated and angry with their mistakes. In my view, 70-80% when players are losing it is not their opponent is beating them, it is themself beating them. So before their opponent beats them, they have already lost to themself.

head down when they’re losing. They never give up against impossible volume of training. It is not money they play for, it is their pride to drive them to compete, to achieve things no other human have ever achieved. He does not care if he dies during training. He is even happy to die during the training rather then be come a loser in competition because his pride is too big to accept that he becomes a loser. If you are a player and would like to be called a competitor then think first about your pride. Do you have pride in yourself? If you have real pride then you can compete, otherwise enjoy badminton on the beach. There are too many players who are content being a puppy in warm house and who are happy to be the king of small pond. If you are a real competitor then have pride to be the tiger in badminton jungle. Be prepared or choose to be eaten by other tigers rather then running away before the fight begins. Life is too short to be a puppy in a warm house. Don’t say that you are going to do your best to be the best player, you simply cannot be. There is no such thing as your best. Humans are unlimited depending on how badly you want achieve something.

4. Quality is the key In my coaching experience, this is the main factor difference between good and best player. Just imagine that you are a badminton samurai and practice your skills with a wooden sword in your hand. The other samurai is practicing his skills with real sword in his hand. Which of the two’s focus and concentration will be deeper and bolder? Who will win the fight after two or three years?

You have to be as calm as a deep lake where there is no wind. Put your mind in such a state. If a leaf drops, then the lake will respond to it naturally.

If your son is drowning in a lake asking for help, would you say to your son, “Son, wait I will do my best to save you!” When things are urgent and the desire is as big as a mountain then the words “doing best” is not enough.

Imagine a shallow stream, there will be lots of noise and movement. If a leaf drops there nothing will happen, as the shallow stream is busy with itself. Have you been like a deep lake or shallow stream?

Remember that no one knows your best including yourself. If you are trying to be the best without having your pride then it is the same as if you are trying to do a funeral when no one has died. Simply, it is not possible.

In my experience only one or two players of 10,000 players practice every single session in such way. I call them Swan among Crows. So many players treat each session as one of many sessions. The Swan will treat each

5. Pride is everything The best player has a common quality, which is pride. Their pride is as big as a mountain and as big as an ocean. Because of their pride, they do not give excuses, they never put their

Some may find my article too extreme but I wrote it from my deep heart. I would be very happy if this article changes a player from being a puppy in a warm house to a tiger in a jungle. Thank you for reading, Lee Jae Bok

he Olympics only come around every four years, and for the average Joe that means you’ll get to experience this extraordinary event roughly 20 times in a lifetime, maybe remembering 10 of them. For the not so average Joe, you might get to participate in the Olympics just once in a lifetime. And for the very rare Olympian, well, legends are born.

22 years old respectively, joined the older and more experienced Toby Ng and Grace Gao, to journey to the Games of the 30th Olympiad. Alex and Michelle were unable to secure an invite to the Olympics after their gold medal performance at the Pan Am Games in 2011, unlike their teammates. They were ranked lower internationally than fellow Canadians Charmaine Reid and Nicole Grether. This urged them to gather up a few more International vicIn the history of the Olympic games, states tories, catapulting them higher than their set aside their differences, putting off war to teammates to secure their spot. keep with tradition. Being able to do this, setting aside our pride while being as proud of our nation as ever, is the fire that ignites the Olympic torch and is what draws every person on earth towards it. With the whole world watching, and with the weight of a country on one’s shoulders, athletes get a once in a lifetime chance to see what they are truly capable of. Some collapse under the enormous pressure, while others discover the very rich core of passion for their sport. With adrenaline pumping through every inch of their bodies they are able to utilize their nerves, ultimately becoming a champion in their own right and propelling themselves to a new level of athleticism.

In May of 2012, the Canadian Olympic Committee announced that Michelle and Alex were officially members of Canada’s Olympic squad. After competing in the Junior National Championships, then the Canadian Open, the four badminton Olympians headed to London, England. Making a pit-stop in Derbyshire, a small village north of London, the team arranged for friendly matches against Australia. But what happened next was not only unexpected but potentially the kryptonite to their journey.

This kind of Olympiad experience does not happen to all 10,000 athletes. This kind of experience is where legends are born. This is how we have come to know Hercules. “Badminton stars fall ill at hotel”, read numerous headlines. Phones started ringMichelle Li and Alex Bruce, a mere 20 and ing in Ontario that Michelle and Alex were

sick and everyone’s hearts sank to the brilliance. floor. Four years, countless hours and one dream all potentially ruined in the blink of July 31st, 2012 – Alex and Michelle play an eye. their final pool play match against the one team they could possibly take a match As Michelle and Alex fell deeper into ex- from, Russia. They end up losing 21-8 and haustion, it became harder for them to re- 21-10. turn to their peak performing condition in time for their first match. With less than And so, the duo pack up their gear, perform week to go before they would begin one of a cool down routine and left the stadium the most memorable tournaments of their unaware of how their future would unfold lives, hope seemed all too distant. next. After seeing his athlete’s energy levels dwindling, Ram Nayyar, head coach of the Canadian badminton players, took control of the situation with ease. “I have always held the belief that we should let the experts in a field lead us on the best practice to recovery,” Nayyar says. He immediately sought the advice of medical personnel and within no time at all, Alex and Michelle were back on their feet and off to London. After all it took to get to this moment and then a health scare, one could only hope for a brighter yellow brick road for the rest of their journey. But the fun doesn’t stop there. Michelle and Alex managed to draw the number #1 seed in both the women’s doubles and women’s singles draws, the fiercest of all competitors. July 28th, 2012 – With nothing to lose, Alex and Michelle play their first match of the competition against China, playing aggressively and losing only 21-11 and 21-7. July 29th, 2012 – Alex and Michelle play their second pool play match against South Korea, losing 21-5 and 21-11.

When the Chinese and South Korean teams in Michelle and Alex’s pool finally faced off, something unusual came about. In an attempt to prove a point to the IOC, both teams blatantly tried to lose. This kind of un-sportsmanslike attitude was booed by the crowd, and sent negative press circulating through every media channel in the world. Since the attempt to lose was so obvious, the IOC carried out an extensive investigation where they determined four teams were trying to lose their match to gain a more favorable spot in the elimination draw. Michelle and Alex could only watch from the stands in shock. ““It was an eye-opener,” says Michelle in an interview with MacLean’s magazine. “I never thought anyone could just purposely lose like that.” In sport it is common to see bets flying around on who will win, and who will go home empty handed. But for the majority of onlookers, this seemingly innocent endeavor shields an underground of black market fixing. In fact behind the scenes fixing happens in many sports, and the general public is completely unaware.

July 30th, 2012 – Michelle plays her only singles match against China, losing 21-8 Take for example a World Cup qualifying and 21-16, again with many moments of match in 1982 where Austria and Germany

fixed the match so Germany would win 1-0, as this would mean both teams would end up qualifying for World Cup. In 1972 the Soviets barely beat the USA in basketball after the clock was put back three seconds, twice. And then on the same day the badminton scandal made headlines in London, a decision in a boxing match was overturned due to highly suspicious officiating. After Japan knocked down its opponent from Azerbaijanis six times, and after the opponent waved his hand in surrender, the referee refused to stop the fight. After the scores came in, Japan somehow lost the match by 5 points. But BBC uncovered a surprising secret: Azerbaijanis paid $9 million to an international boxing organization for a guarantee that two of their fighters would win gold medals in London. The Chinese badminton world is no different. Any top athlete not willing to conform to the system is left behind, and those in the spotlight are under strict orders. “I blame the BWF for not dealing with match fixing in our sport when the perfect opportunity arose back in 2008, when Chinese head coach Li Yongbo publicy admitted that China decided in advance who would win where there were two teams or players from China competing against one another,” says Anna Rice, former Canadian Olympian.

hours to prepare for their next match.

Shot after shot, the Canadians defended the massive attacks from the 4th ranked Japanese team. Somehow Canada won four of the last five points of the second set, and they forced a third.

“I’m sure many people following at home couldn’t believe what was going on,” says Alex. “It was the same for me. When it was confirmed that we were going back into the tournament (after getting over the initial The crowd was on their feet, and with hairs shock), we just tried to focus on our game rising cheered, “Believe, Canada, Believe!” plan for the match and nothing else.” “There wasn’t a point where I could say, August 1st, 2012 – Michelle and Alex they gave up,” says Ram Nayyar. stepped foot onto the Wembley arena floor as a competitor one more time, with an un- The Japanese team was up 12-5 in the expected calmness about them. Being giv- third set, but Canada managed to find three en a second chance at a once in a lifetime more points before a shot barely dripped opportunity makes it twice in a lifetime, and over the net onto the Canadian side. Many when can you say that has ever happened pictures from the media capture this moto you? ment, and for a moment Michelle and Alex shook their heads as if to say, ‘What are “They were at 10-11 in the first set when the chances?’ Japan turned on the jets to win, and then something funny happened,” says Bruce They managed to tighten up the score withArthur of the Province. “The crowd started in three points, but the last point ricocheted to really chant, the way Canadian crowds off the outside of Michelle’s racquet, enddo. ‘BRUCE!’ They would call. ‘LI!’ They ing the nail biting match.

Even in the London incident, players admitted they were following orders from their coach, who was ultimately following orders from their country’s leaders. would answer.” Awaiting the decision from the IOC in their hotel room that night, Alex and Michelle played cards anxiously, trying to distract themselves. With these four teams newly disqualified, the young Canadians were reentered into the draw and had less than 2

It was obvious from the crowd’s chants that they were rooting for the underdog, but one can only keep up that kind of enthusiasm as long as the underdog is fighting. And fight they did.

“We were given that opportunity to step it up at the quarter-finals and we took advantage of that opportunity and played one of the most breathtaking matches we’ve played yet,” Michelle tells the Shuttler magazine.

“We have never come close to beating a team in the top ten before,” adds Alex.

finish. One of the biggest underdog stories of the century, this is what movies are made of. And while some headlines were Bruce Li emerged from this match a new sad to see it end, describing it as ‘showteam, and new individuals. “When we ing it up to a party as all the lights are belearned we had a second chance we really ing turned off’, others simply reported on put everything out there. I think that really the result and carried on with other major made us grow as a pair,” Michelle says. headliners and medal winners. August 4th, 2012 – Bruce Li play Russia again, this time for bronze. It seems almost as if the fairytale ending to this bazaar journey ended with their previous match against Japan. As if that was their peak medal performance and nothing could top that. They lost their last match to Russia 21-9 and 21-10, writing the final chapter in this incredible story. In an interview post bronze-medal match, both girls were unable to say if they could continue playing together as they both returned to full time studies two hours apart. Just as the world has started to fall in love with Bruce Li, so the world will have to cherish the memory as if it were a dream.

But beneath the red carpet surface of Olympic celebrities lies a story about the true spirit of the Olympics. Bruce Li, ranked 27th in the world, won a match against Japan, ranked 4th in the world. Being given a second chance in a lifetime is not only unfathomable, but to be able to channel all of your training, knowledge and power and use it to accomplish something as significant as that is the real storyline. Bruce Li have given hope to athletes around the world, and have set a precedent of inspirational stories for Olympiads to come. Just imagine what else these girls are capable of.

One can only hope this isn’t the last we see of the famed duo. Will the Bruce Li sensaNews headlines across the world were fol- tion become an historical Olympic legend, lowing ‘Canada’s Darlings’ on their emo- or are they working on a sequel? Only time tional rollercoaster to a potential podium will tell.

Robbyn Hermitage has spent her life committed to badminton; whether pushing her career to an Olympic appearance, numerous Pan Am, International and Natravelled to my first international tit les, or giving back to her favoutional competition.” rite sport through coaching. Take a look at what this top athlete is up to now. She had partnered up with

Tucked in a corner in the Badminton Ontario office, an old newspaper article blown up on a piece of foam core (pg 16) has been nesting for what we can only assume has been decades. The article shows a young Milaine Cloutier of Quebec in women’s brunette hugging a plaque which boasts a doubles in an attempt to qualify for Atlanta plethora of badminton awards. in 1996. Ranked the #2 team in Canada, they lost their spot to Denyse Julien and Robbyn Hermitage, was an outstanding junior player who, in this article, had dreams Si-An Deng. Robbyn and Milaine took the of playing in the Olympics. In another arti- next four years preparing for their next cle, dated before this one in 1984, she was chance. also quoted saying she would one day play in the Olympics. A dream that at the time, Robbyn went on to compete in many addiwas a bit far-fetched because badminton was not yet an official Olympic sport. Badminton would not even become a demonstration sport until 1988 in Seoul. Even before there was a dream, there was a beginning for Robbyn. She grew up in Kitchener, Ontario and began playing badminton at eight years old in a local high school. She and her brother liked the game so much that they joined the local club, KW Granite Badminton Club. As seen by the article on the previous page, Robbyn excelled at the sport during her high school years. When she left for University, she played occasionally in Montreal but put off her dreams temporarily for school.

That of course did not stop Robbyn. “After graduating from high school and moving to Montreal to attend university, competing in tournaments dropped off considerably for me,” she says. “It wasn’t until 1993 that I

tional International tournaments, becoming one of Canada’s top badminton athletes of all time. In 1995 she competed in her first Pan American Games in Argentina, which really opened her eyes to the difference of International competition. She competed once again in 1999, this time on Canadian soil in Winnipeg. “There really are no words to describe walking into the stadium in an Opening Ceremony in your own country,” Robbyn describes. “The roar of the crowd was so amazing as they cheered on their home team.” She won a gold and silver medal at the 1999 Pan Am Games, one of the most memorable moments of her career, which sent her and Milaine to the 2000 Sydney Olympics.

Above: Robbyn at the Olympic Games. Canadian Archives.

“There really are no words to describe walking into the stadium in an Opening Ceremony in your own country.” Robbyn Hermitage Olympian and 10 time National Champion

For someone who dreamed of one day competing in her sport which wasn’t even official at the time, she definitely made it her mission to make the most of her once in a lifetime experience. “The Olympics, and I likely speak for all athletes fortunate enough to compete at the Games and represent their country, was one of the best experiences of my life,” Robbyn says. “I vowed to not only compete to the best of my ability, but also to live the full Olympic experience.

“I took pictures, met athletes from different sports and countries, attended both the Opening and Closing Ceremonies, explored Australia and even went sky-diving! I still keep in touch with many friends from my fabulous Olympic experience.” The Olympic Games were the highlight of her career, something she dreamed up when she was just a junior player, and something she came to achieve successfully as an adult. During her career, Robbyn won 10 national titles, and recalls the other highlights of her career before retiring in 2003.

chosen sport in future Olympic Games. Nostalgia and envy definitely come into play,” she says. “In watching this past 2012 Olympic badminton controversy there was a mix of hor-

“One of the most important things I learned through my badminton career is to prioritize.” Robbyn Hermitage

“In 2002 I played Nationals after having found out that I was pregnant. Though obviously many emotions consumed me during that very difficult week, both physically and mentally, it was my most successful Nationals ever as I won gold in both Ladies Doubles and Mixed Doubles.

ror - that the athletes had actually been caught and reprimanded for throwing games (keep in mind that this has been common occurrence for years with no repercussions) to jealousy - that the publicity brought to our sport was occurring at a “In 2003 I came back 3 months after giving time that did not include me as an athlete birth to win the Ladies Doubles again. That - to pride - that our Canadians played well was my last Nationals.” under the scrutiny and pressure that was Nationwide instead of just self-imposed.” For the 2012 Olympics in London, she was merely an observer. As one of many While Robbyn is no longer competing, she residents of Kelowna following Canada’s has found her niche in helping other athathletes in London and shares her mixed letes achieve their dreams as a coach. “I emotions of being on the outside looking in. find it gratifying to give back to the sport I “It is very difficult to describe the feelings of love and sharing my knowledge and expebeing an Olympian and then watching your rience truly excites me,” she says.

Robbyn is currently coaching in Kelowna, BC at the Kelowna Badminton Club. She and her husband Maxime Belanger, whom she met while playing badminton, have two children; Kate (9) and Alex (8). This past February she coached the Okanagan region to a bronze medal at the BC Winter Games. She shares that many virtues she has learned through badminton carry over into both her career as a coach and into her family life. “I try to instil the same mentality that I used in training and competing with the juniors that I coach, as well as with my own children. “One of the most important things I learned through my badminton career is to prioritize. While working part-time, training fulltime, going to school and travelling to compete, an athlete needs to be very organized and time efficient. And it’s even more difficult once you become a mommy!” After marrying an elite badminton player, the only remaining question is if they have combined their talents and have spawned super-athletes. “In the 2 years I have been in Kelowna I have been able to grow the junior program immensely. My children are in the program and very much enjoy it. Perhaps they will carry on the family tradition?” I believe that is a yes.

ROBBYN

HERMITAGE In the article (left) Robbyn talks about a two-month training trip to China organized by the Ontario Badminton Association. “I’ve filled out an application and I’d really like to go,” she says. She goes on to say her chances of being picked are only about 50%. Although she was a top junior at the time, she was not picked to go to China as she was one of the younger athletes being considered. It didnt seem to have any effect on her future success however, because she went on to become one of the top athletes in Badminton Canada’s history.

Above: Robbyn at the 2000 Sydney Olympics.

info.

by Mike Campbell Tiny Township, ON

After taking up early retirement from commercial construction as an electrician and looking for some exercise, my wife and I decided to enroll in the North Simcoe Recreation Centre in Midland, Ontario, and we chose badminton. The choice was suggested by my wife as she used to play on her school team at Waid Academy, Anstruther, Fife, Scotland and later at her college, Callendar Park, Falkirk, where she obtained an instructorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s certificate. Like many folk, I did play in my youth as well.

us from Montague Barnes, who passed away a few years ago and was befriended by my wife a few years prior. Montague was an avid player in his earlier years and my wife rescued that racket while helping to clean out his apartment. I hope he appreciates that his racket is back in use. Montague, I promise you I keep the racket in itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s press and am gentle when playing with it.

The original grip was getting loose, so I decided to take the racket to our local Sportcheck store to see what could be done to fix that problem. Paul the service technician recommended an over wrap, rather than replacing the original, which is actually nailed into the wood of the The badminton rackets came out of our handle. storage and lo and behold there is a Demon Driver by Bentley, which came to Paul thought the base of the handle

might be ivory, I think it’s hard wood. This also keeps the originality of the racket as the over wrap can be removed. Paul warned me that the strings could never be replaced due to the age of the racket, which led to the guessing game of the age and originality of the racket. The head of the racket is made of laminated wood, with metal shaft between the head and the handle. Paul estimates it was made in the ‘50s and that got me curious to see what I could find about the history of Bentley and the Demon Driver. My search was partly successful. I contacted the Niagara Falls Museums and Ms. Deborah E. Legge was kind enough to reply with the following information: “Bentley Sporting Goods Ltd. was a family firm that began manufacturing cricket bats, tennis racquets and lawn games

in England in 1786. Fourth generation Walter J. H. Bentley opened the Niagara Falls plant on First Avenue in 1908, the first in Canada to produce tennis and badminton racquets.

have that information.

In closing I need to mention that we also picked up curling last year for the first time for both of us and we do enjoy it twice a week as well as the weekly bad“The Niagara Falls plant went on to pro- minton. duce table tennis, game boards such as crokinole, dart boards, croquet, billiard Good curling and enjoyable badminton to tables and equipment. The plant stayed you all. in the family until 1966, when it was sold to Mr. Patt F. Buller, with a second plant Cheers. on Buttrey Avenue. The company eventually went bankrupt and its assets were If you do have some knowledge, which sold at public auction on May 27, 1980.” might shed some enlightenment, would you please let Ms. Sarah Foscarini of Once I had this information I had to share Badminton Ontario know all the informathis with Paul, who did recognize the tion you might have so that she can fornames of the streets. Well, there is still a ward it to me? mystery as to the year/s the Demon Driver was manufactured and I am hoping that maybe a reader of this article might

With the success and visibility of the Soong Badminton Academy Competitive Girls Team in both Ontario and Quebec, many questions have been received as to what makes it work. While the short answer would simply be lots of hard work by all; players, parents, coaches and volunteers, a closer look would suggest that it simply supports the research that “Girls just want to have Fun” - together. The Soong Badminton Academy Competitive Girls Team was formed 3 years ago to build retention of girls in the sport of badminton between the ages of 12-18, and to further challenge the Soong Badminton Academy girls who were demonstrating good progress in their badminton skills by earning strong results in competition.

Talented Soong Badminton Academy girls were invited from the existing SBA training teams across our six (6) Ottawa locations to come together as a girls training team. Training practice takes place on Saturdays for three (3) hours, with additional practice and game play at our sister club, Capital Badminton Club, on Tuesday and Thursday nights. The

Saturday training includes a mix of technical skill training, fitness and game tactics/strategy with mental training integrated throughout the drills. Regular round robin challenges are included during Saturday training to allow the players focused game/court time, and to allow the coaching team to assess performance and provide feedback. Keeping the age and playing level more consistent allows for better challenge for all players, and faster development of a larger group of players. The current girls’ team includes 22 girls between the ages of 13-17, primarily U16/U19 categories for the 2012/2013 season. The current leadership team includes Dominic Soong (NCCP Level 4), Janet Hugli (NCCP Level 3), Chinue de la Merced (NCCP Level 1, and 2X OWG team member), Sylvain Coulombe (Team Manager/parent), and a number of additional SBA coaches and sparring partners, and team member parents. From the onset of the team formation, the team has represented a full mix of multi-culture, multi-race and multi-language, all working well together to challenge each other and support each other’s

badminton progress. Respect, good sportsmanship and teamwork are important values we work hard to instill in all our players, both on and off the courts. All members of the team are expected to share their talents with all team members, and players are regularly mixed during both drills and game play to allow for player development as well as social interaction. Social activities are built into practices where birthdays and tournament successes are celebrated. (Girls really just want to have fun!) Invitational event days have included male players from both Ontario and Quebec to allow for added mixed doubles practice, and some extra social time where food is usually a key attraction. Team co-captains and team co-social directors have been nominated by team members to act as liaison between players and coaches, as well as to help plan and organize social activities. Many of these activities are self-managed by the team members. Players regularly provide input and suggestions for team training, and for social opportunities, which are incorporated into the planning. Team uniforms and tracksuits were selected by the team members, and help to raise the sense of pride and sense of belonging to a special and unique team.

team have also embraced the opportunities for leadership development. Most are high academic achievers, with well over half of the team in the acclaimed IB and/or gifted programs. They understand the importance of building community support and sharing their talents while developing their own skills. With the high demands on school homework, they are very good at time management. As a team, they have already hosted two (2) very successful mini-tournaments for players U10 and U12, and are regular volunteer feeders and coaching assistants for the younger players at the various Soong training locations. Eighteen (18) team members have completed the High Five course, and four (4) are completing their NCCP training, including team member Joletta Cheung who is now fully certified as a Level 1 coach.

In our third year with our SBA Competitive Girls Team, not only have we raised the overall level of competitive girls play within the region across a broader base, we have addressed many of the roadblocks which keep girls involved in sport, by building in social opportunities and provided leadership development opportunities for all the girls.

Team travel is another aspect which has noticeably helped to build the energy, camaraderie and recognition of the SBA team members. The SBA Competitive Girls team travels 4-5 hours for each event, to attend 2-3 Ontario provincial tournaments each year, in addition to participation in 2+ Quebec provincial tournaments (where the travel time is significantly shorter, expenses less, and A/B level participants are combined in the same tournaments).

The SBA Girlsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; team members have been regularly recognized for their sportsmanship and excellent team spirit, as well as their strong results. By team teaching and team training we have built much more than just a single elite athlete, we have widened the base of top talent, and built a team of strong athletes who also exude the positive spirit of sport. While badminton is an individual sport, you cannot train alone. Therefore we encourage all girls to help and support each other so that all players can have more

challenge, develop more quickly, and have fun together.

As a coaching/leadership team, what makes the team a success is much more than the fact that the level of play of all team memWhen we ask our players what makes the SBA Girls team special, bers has progressed significantly faster than even we could have the key answers are friendships, fun, and camaraderie. The girls expected. The players also embody the positive spirit of sport, fair develop personal connections with their team mates during train- play, and respect while developing their games. They have deing, social activities, travel and tourveloped wonderful leadership skills naments, and are able to train with which we are confident that they will When we ask the boys continue to share to help build the other competitive girls of similar ages what makes the SBA sport of badminton, and they share who are keen to develop their games Girls team a success, the an- their enthusiasm and energy both on to the next level. swer is simply “what about and off the courts, bringing infectious When we ask our players’ parents us?” Which confirms that energy to all. what makes the girls team special, the something is definitely key answers are; sense of belonging When we ask the boys what makes working. to a special team, special attention the SBA Girls team a success, the that is focused on girls (without the answer is simply “what about us?” distraction of boys, and/or boys takWhich confirms that something is ing control), quality training, inclusion, definitely working. While we look at sportsmanship, and participation. ways to address the SBA boy’s requests for a special team, mixed doubles practice takes place during Capital Club playtime, and

during our Saturday special events. The development of a Soong Badminton Academy Competitive Girls team has been a great pilot project of which we have long talked about implementing, and are very proud of its success. It immediately generated the desired results; increased participation among girls in the 12-18 year old age bracket, and an overall increase in the level of competitive play of a wider base of players. It takes a lot of extra work by all parties involved (players, parents,

coaches, volunteers), but the results and benefits stand on their own, and bring rewards much wider than simply strong tournament results. The Soong Badminton Academy Competitive Girls Team will continue to evolve as we look for new ways to continue to make the team special and unique, balancing the individual training needs of team members with leadership development opportunities and social opportunities.

We look forward to continuing to participate with all players across Ontario and Quebec as we showcase the spirit of our SBA Girlsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; team by demonstrating teamwork, sportsmanship, and results.

Eating out is not the only option when an active schedule has you on the go. A little preparation can go a long way. Planning meals, whether for at home or on the go helps ensure an athlete (at any level) receives the proper nutrition, which is a factor in athletic performance both on and off the field. Meal preparation isn’t just about what you eat, but also when you eat. Enjoying your favourite pre-sport meal can boost your confidence and your performance, when you choose wisely! Meals should: • be high carbohydrate, moderate protein, and low fat; • be easy to digest; • include foods and fluids that are familiar, tolerable and enjoyable. Now that you know when to eat, you need to find meal ideas that will not only help you plan what to eat, but will also provide adequate energy and nutrition.

To view an easy-to-follow chart that will help you plan your pre-exercise nutrition by providing food suggestions based on the time you have available before exercise, visit www.coach.ca and click on PROGRAMS one of the links at the top of the page - and then SPORT NUTRITION.

Not sure how long you should leave between a meal and engaging in physical activity? Follow these simple guidelines: