The President of Oceania Women Award (POWA) honours the first Badminton Oceania President—Heather Robson.
The trophy is awarded bi-annually and gives recognition to any person who has contributed significantly to the promotion, development and advancement of badminton for women throughout Oceania.
Previous winners include Val Nesbitt (2013), Judith Cousins (2015) and Nynette Sass (2017).
During the presentation for the individual event at the VICTOR Oceania Championships 2020, the award was presented to Susan Taylor, rewarding her outstanding efforts as a Technical Official.
“I know the previous three winners and how hard they have worked, so it feels great to be the next person to receive this award“, says Susan.
Susan began her international umpiring career in February 1994 when she qualified as a BWF Accredited Umpire, going on to achieve BWF certification in February 1998 – the highest possible level achievable for an Umpire.
Over the last 25 years of service, Susan has attended numerous events around the world. In her last year of International officiating, as she reached the mandatory BWF age for retirement, Susan attended the following events: China Open, World Junior Championships, Korea Open, South Australia International, World Senior Championships, Australian Open, TOTAL BWF Sudirman Cup, New Zealand Open and the VICTOR Oceania Championships.
“The quality of our technical official is high. We have well-trained officials who have a passion for the sport, whether they work with grassroots or elite, they are comfortable at any stage”, says Susan.
Susan Taylor receives second award for recognition of 25 years services as a BWF Umpire
Although Susan has officially retired as a BWF Umpire, there will still be many opportunities to see her around the courts as she is still an Oceania Certificated level Umpire and as you may have seen this week assists as a Trainer, Assessor and sometimes-Umpire Manager within the Region.
Susan was one of the experience technical officials on site at last week’s VICTOR Oceania Championships to assist the development of Joel and Cherish Reti – the first umpires from Samoa to officiate at the event.
During the presentation for the men’s team, women’s team and para badminton events, Susan was acknowledged once again, receiving a commemorative plate to recognise her services as a BWF certificated umpire.
