PBA steps up search for ace shuttlers

MANILA, Philippines - The Philippine Badminton Association will pursue its search for talents by holding a series of clinics and tournaments especially in the countryside and will tap foreign coaches and trainers for the country’s elite athletes vying in various international competitions.

Vice President and PBA president Jejomar Binay also stressed the need to encourage the participation of the local government units (LGUs) to help and support their respective athletes, not only in badminton but in all other sports.

Meanwhile, the new PBA board, composed of Vice President Binay, businessman-sportsman Manny V. Pangilinan, Rep. Albee Benitez, Joey San Andres and Judith Brosula, was confirmed by the 96 representatives out of 126 club members in Special General Assembly at Hotel Sofitel Philippine Plaza recently.

No less than world’s No. 1 Lee Chong Wei graced the event where Rep. Benitez emphasized the need to develop athletes in the grassroots level and discover more players through the holding of badminton clinics and local competitions in the PBA’s 2012 Plans and Programs.

At the same time, the country’s top players, headed by reigning back-to-back Singapore Junior champion Malvinne Alcala, will be provided foreign coaches and trainers to further hone their talent and skills and will be sent abroad for training and top-level competitions.

A system of court accreditation will also be enforced for existing courts and for LGUs that will build badminton venues to be able to meet certain standards and ensure public safety and convenience.

The newly elected PBA board also launched its official website, www.philippinebadmintonassociation.com, with its e-mail address at [email protected] to widen its base and afford club members in the provinces all information and latest news about the association and the sport.