The gym at Kelston Boys’ High School was full of smiles, laughter and nervous excitement as more than 70 tamariki came together for a Badminton Give it a Go Day.
For many students, it was their first time picking up a racquet. Some arrived unsure of what to expect, but it didn't take long for the gym to fill with energy, encouragement and plenty of smiles.
Tuia Waitākere collaborated with Synergy Sport and Community Sport Hub to create a fun and welcoming opportunity for tamariki to try badminton, learn new skills and experience the joy of giving something new a go.
Students from Kelston Boys’ High School, Kelston Girls’ High School, Kelston Intermediate and Ko Taku Reo – Kelston Deaf Education Centre all took part. With NZSL interpreters present, the day was inclusive and accessible, making sure all tamariki could be part of the learning, fun and connection.
From warm up games and movement challenges to 2v2 games on court, the day was full of small wins. Tamariki cheered each other on, helped their peers learn how to hold the racquet, celebrated when someone hit the shuttle, and kept encouraging each other when it got tricky.
One of the most powerful parts of the day was seeing how quickly confidence grew. Students who started off shy were soon laughing, moving, trying again and asking for another turn.
By the end of the session, the message from many tamariki was clear — they wanted to play badminton again.
That is what days like this are all about. Creating positive first experiences, opening doors to new opportunities, and helping tamariki feel that sport and active recreation can be for them.
And as one young participant, Marietta, perfectly summed it up: “Play badminton guys.”
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