In the middle of the Pacific lies a country that scatters just 811 square kilometres of land across 3.5 million square kilometres of ocean. Despite the massive geographical isolation of its four-hemisphere territory, Kiribati has defied the odds to turn badminton into a thriving sport.
In September, Badminton Oceania’s Participation and Development Manager, Sam Kreutzer, visited the country to deliver the BOC MA Capacity Building Course (MACBC) and connect with local organisations. It was BOC’s first visit to Kiribati since 2019.
Most members of the Kiribati Badminton Federation (KBF) Executive Committee are new to their roles, the majority having been elected at the 2025 KBF AGM. Their commitment to the sport, shown through the growth of KBF’s development activities under their stewardship, made this the ideal moment for BOC to help build their management and governance skills through the MACBC.
Two days of learning
Over two full days at the KBF office in the Betio Sports Complex, the full executive committee attended alongside identified future leaders. The course was co-delivered by Tekabara Raurenti, High Performance Sports Administrator at the Kiribati National Olympic Committee (KNOC).
“These educational initiatives are very important for National Federations, as they help strengthen their knowledge, skills, and capacity to manage and develop their sports more effectively,” said Raurenti. “From KNOC’s perspective, athlete development is not only about training athletes. We also need to strengthen the people and systems supporting them, including coaches, administrators, officials, and technical personnel. Programmes like this help NFs build stronger foundations and improve the quality of their sport programmes.”
What participants had to say
Bernard Tatireta, President, Kiribati Badminton Federation: “As a young executive team, having this knowledge and guidance gives us more confidence and a clearer direction. It has also encouraged us to work more closely together and continue building a stronger and more organised badminton structure in Kiribati.”
Teretia Kanotaake, Treasurer, Kiribati Badminton Federation: “As a new KBF Executive Committee member, I found the course very useful. It helped me better understand my role and responsibilities and gave me practical knowledge in governance, planning, budgeting, and supporting the development of badminton in Kiribati.”
Tekabara Raurenti, High Performance Sports Administrator, Kiribati National Olympic Committee: “I really enjoyed the opportunity to work closely with the Kiribati Badminton Federation in co-delivering this course. It provided a good opportunity for KNOC and KBF to share our knowledge, experience, and responsibilities while working towards a common goal.
“The experience strengthened our relationship and demonstrated the value of working together rather than working separately. It also helped us better understand the needs of the federation and how KNOC can provide further support.
“I believe this type of collaboration should continue with other National Federations, as it can strengthen partnerships and improve the overall delivery of sport development programmes in Kiribati.”
Meeting the wider sporting community
Before the MACBC, Sam met with the Ministry of Women, Youth, Sports and Social Affairs alongside KBF President Bernard Tatireta. In discussions with Officer-in-Charge of Sport Willy Uan and Taburimai Tewaki, they explored how KBF could collaborate further with the Ministry, including outreach to the outer islands and participation in Te Runga, the Kiribati National Games held every four years.
A warm welcome at Immaculate Heart College
On Monday 28 September, Sam joined KBF Shuttle Time National Coordinator Kobaia Tekeraoi, Treasurer Teretia Kanotaake, President Bernard Tatireta and KNOC’s Tekabara Raurenti for the 40-minute trip from Nanikai, across the Tarawa lagoon, to Immaculate Heart College in remote North Tarawa. Bernard and Tekabara are both alumni of the school.
The group had expected simply to drop off some Shuttle Time equipment and discuss future delivery with the headmaster. Instead, they were led to the school maneaba (meeting house), where students and faculty had gathered to meet them. The school welcomed them formally with traditional songs and dances from the students, and warm speeches of greeting from the head teachers.
Each visitor then introduced themselves, explaining who they were, what badminton is, and the programmes KBF and BOC run to develop the sport. The equipment was presented to the head boy, and the group left before the tide got too low.
Looking ahead to 2027
The welcome at Immaculate Heart College showed the enthusiasm for badminton that reaches well beyond Tarawa’s main centres, and the KBF Executive Committee is now working to build on it. Drawing on the knowledge and skills gained from the course, the committee is creating its 2027 operational plan, turning the governance, planning and budgeting content into a practical roadmap for badminton in Kiribati.
