For the first time in more than 10 years, Ōpōtiki College has a badminton team competing in a secondary school’s tournament, marking a significant milestone for the students involved and the school’s growing sporting programme.

Today, a team of 12 senior students will represent the college in mixed doubles competition at the Eastern Bay of Plenty Senior Badminton with hopes of progressing to further regional tournaments.

Team manager Sherie Mata said excitement had been building among the students ahead of the event.

“They are all looking forward to competing,” Mata said.

The team’s journey began earlier this year when a call went out for interested students to give the sport a try.

“The students have done exceptionally well considering the limited time they have had to train. At the end of term one, we put out a muster call and were fortunate to gather a group of 12 students who were keen to give badminton a go and represent the college,” she said.

Although badminton has not traditionally been one of the college’s major sporting codes, the foundations for the team’s revival were quietly laid several years ago.

Local badminton enthusiasts Danny and Michelle Paruru had been hiring the college gym and organising informal social badminton sessions for more than two years. The sessions attracted a diverse mix of players, including adults, primary school children and college students, helping to build interest in the sport within the community.

Coach Danny Paruru said the growth of the programme had happened almost by accident.

“It was quite a random thing, but we would have up to 20 students and adults show up to play and the team stemmed off from that,” he said.

The college’s Kia Hiwa Rā initiative has also played an important role in identifying and encouraging students with sporting potential.

Through lunchtime activities and opportunities to try different sports, several talented badminton players emerged and have since become part of the squad preparing for competition.

Mata said the significance of the team’s return to tournament play should not be underestimated.

“This tournament is particularly significant, as it has been more than 10 years since the college has had a badminton team compete in a secondary school tournament.

“The commitment, enthusiasm, and willingness of these students to step outside their comfort zones and embrace a new sporting opportunity is something they should be very proud of. They are all naturally talented kids,” she said.

Regardless of today’s result, the re-establishment of competitive badminton at Ōpōtiki College is already being viewed as a success, creating new opportunities for students and helping grow the sport locally.