Tahiti’s Manuel Mi You crowned February’s Serve-ing Pacific winner

Pictured: Manuel Mi You (far left) with players from Tahiti posing for the BWF’s ‘I Am Badminton integrity campaign

Congratulations to Badminton Oceania’s third Serve-ing Pacific winner, Manuel Mi You, from Tahiti. He was nominated for excelling in INCLUSIVENESS – one of the five organizational values which Badminton Oceania embeds across all programme areas.

Serve-ing Pacific is Badminton Oceania’s volunteer recognition scheme, acknowledging the hard work and commitment of volunteers across Oceania as we work towards a common goal of making badminton accessible to all.

Manuel has been involved with Tahiti Badminton federation for over five years, assisting as a voluntary coach, Shuttle Time teacher and club treasurer at his local badminton club, Papara.

In his nomination, he was commended for his commitment to the development of children’s badminton, with an eager passion to help kids of any age and ability learn the correct skills and techniques to progress in the game. In addition to this, he collaborate with Tahiti Badminton to organise events throughout the year so they have a competitive environment to practise and gain more experience in.

While not on the badminton court, Manuel owns a bakery, waking up as early as 3am to get the ovens going, yet still always maintains the same energy through the day and into the evening if it means that the children can have more opportunities to play badminton. He is an exemplar of going ‘above and beyond’, known for going out of this way to drive young players to and from the playing sessions and training camps, and assisting with coaching in between.

“Like many volunteers in sport, he is a very humble person. I can say on behalf of Tahiti Badminton Federation and many of our players, we are incredibly grateful for his voluntary work. We are delighted that is hard work has been picked up through this award a we join Badminton Oceania in saying a huge thank you to Manuel!”, says Tahiti Badminton Federation President, Leo Ceucel.

Tahiti is a country well known for it’s stunning landscape and honeymoon destinations. The island is comprised of ‘ancient volcanoes’, rugged mountains and stunning white-sand beaches. It is also one of the westernmost countries in the world, part of the UCT – 10 timezone, located in the middle of the Pacific Ocean. Like many of Badminton Oceania’s Pacific-based member associations, access to badminton events, knowledge and resources can be complicated. Thankfully, the internet is able to provide many of our members with communicative platforms to learn in various ways. Just like how the Northern Marianas team prepared for the Samoa 2019 Pacific Games using coaching videos on YouTube, Manuel uses a similar method:

“I watch a lot of badminton on YouTube to aid my coaching qualifications and I ask a lot of different questions to other coaches.

“To see the young people evolving and able to become a future champion is what I enjoy the most about volunteering.  We all have a role in this life…seeing young people evolve [through sport] brings me great satisfaction and a purpose to volunteer” says Manuel.

Once again, Badminton Oceania thanks Manuel for his ongoing work and her commitment to upholding our values, particularly inclusiveness.

The prize for each winner in Serve-ing Pacific is a local lunch voucher which Manuel and a guest can use to support local. Additionally, he will be the third to enter the random six-monthly draw (including the other six winners) for the ultimate staycation prize, which will be drawn in May 2022.

Keep your eyes peeled at the beginning of March 2022 to find out who the next winner is.

Do you want to volunteer in badminton? Or do you know a volunteer who you would like to nominate? Find out more by clicking here.