Charity : MBA, IOI start community badminton programme for welfare homes

IT WAS an ideal time for Michael’s Badminton Academy (MBA) to team up with IOI Properties to spread the joy to children residing in charitable homes around the Klang Valley.

During the recent one-week school break, the Academy showed their commitment in supporting the aspiration of selected youngsters in developing their shuttling skills with the launch of their “Hope For Change” community badminton coaching initiative.

MBA director Lee Kok Choong said they are presenting the trainees a chance to learn the popular game in a more orderly environment.

“We are playing a role in contributing to the local community. We are offering them a good start at a young age to fulfil their potential. It is also an opportunity for them to develop social skills and foster friendship with their peers from other homes,” he added.

Almost 70 beginners from three homes — House of Joy, Rumah Shalom and Rumah Amal Limpahan Kasih — located around Puchong were introduced to their first training session at the centre’s 32-court hall in Bandar Puteri, Puchong last Wednesday.

For the next 10 months, they will be under the care of three Indonesian trainers — Tony Galeh, Edvin Dwi Priyono and Boby Eriawan — for their regular two-hour session once a week.

Besides guiding them to acquire the basic strokes and footwork required for the game, they are also lining up badminton related outings, personal development seminars and tournaments for the young charges.

One of the trainees M. Ramesh from Rumah Shalom said it was a wonderful experience to be visiting the indoor venue for the first time.

“We are looking forward to attend training every week because it is a change for us to interact with others. It is going to be a fun-filled experience. We are hoping to learn the proper way of improving our playing ability,” the 15-year-old said.

IOI executive director Datuk David Tan Thean Thye, Lee and Kinrara constituency representative Gary Chong were present to reinforce their sincerity in backing the programme.

Tan said they are confident the beginners will develop all-round qualities in their character building through their participation in a healthy activity.

They are also considering to introduce the programme to other homes at another MBA centre in Taman Megah, Petaling Jaya.

“We are identifying the deserving home to be part of the programme. We want more youngsters to gain from it,” Lee said.