Young stars take center stage in Kids’ Badminton Tournament in QC

Kids’ Badminton Tournament at the Centro Atletico Badminton Court in Quezon City. Handout photo.MANILA — Future badminton stars took center stage at the Kids’ Badminton Tournament held at Centro Atletico Badminton Court in Cubao, Quezon City on February 8.

The event was organized by RallySports PH in partnership with the Rotary Club of New Manila South, and it aims to provide young athletes with a platform to showcase their skills and gain valuable tournament experience.  

“We started the idea of a Kids' tournament kasi I used to play also when I was a kid,” said Jem Vicencio of RallySports PH, the driving force behind the event, on the inspiration behind the tournament.

“Tapos wala tayong masyadong tournament catering to those kids like seven years old, 10 years old. That’s why the idea of this Kids’ Badminton challenge was born, para mabigyan natin ng venue yung mga future champions natin na ma-expose sila sa tournament kasi sila yung future of badminton.”

“These are the future champions that you are seeing right now,” she added.

The tournament is part of the Champion of Change Program, an initiative launched in 2024 by RotaSmash and RallySports PH to support aspiring badminton athletes.

Andrew Arugay, President-Elect of the Rotary Club of New Manila South, emphasized their commitment to young athletes.

“RotaSmash and RallySports PH started the Champion of Change Program last year, 2024, to support our athletes, our badminton athletes, to be specific, and help them achieve their full potential,” he said.

“So now, tuloy pa rin po yung support natin sa ating athletes this year. This time, kids naman ages eight to 12 years old, and sana po tuloy po ang suporta ng lahat para po mas marami pa po tayong mas matulungang atletang bata,” added Arugay.

With enthusiastic participation and competitive matches, the event proved to be a stepping stone for young shuttlers aiming to make their mark in the sport. Organizers are now hoping to expand the initiative in the coming years, nurturing more badminton champions in the making.