The Badminton World Federation’s Humans of Shuttle Time series highlights those who are developing badminton at the grassroots level. This month, the BWF highlights Wilma Tupu. A Shuttle Time Tutor from Samoa, Wilma got involved in the sport after watching her parents play at a club.
Childhood Years
I have two older siblings and two younger siblings. I grew up in Vaitele-uta, Samoa. I first played badminton as a child after watching mum and dad play at a club.
First Impressions
It looked fun to me. I liked that my parents played it. I started by hitting a shuttle against a wall; later on I decided to take it seriously.
Relationship with Badminton
It’s not a hobby, it’s like a friend and enemy at the same time. I use badminton to relieve my stress and at the same time challenge myself mentally and physically, while at the trying to have fun.
Memorable Events
The Pacific Development Squad programme that BOC held in 2019. It was my first experience outside of Samoa, I got to meet so many new faces and experience a different level of badminton outside of my country. I still remember the experience like it was yesterday.
What Badminton Means
Badminton is like my second family and second school. Badminton is mostly my life nowadays. If I’m not at home or studying, I’m helping to set up, or playing myself.
Difference of Badminton from Others
Badminton is quite simply a fun sport to play. I think it’s easy to pick up socially. But when you reach a higher level it’s such a challenging sport to play.
Developing Badminton in the Community
Originally there weren’t many facilities to play badminton. When a new stadium was built, all of a sudden there was a massive increase in development because there was a place to play. I got to see more equipment coming into the country and more kids getting to play the sport. So being able to see the growth of badminton and be part of it from a Shuttle Time perspective has been very rewarding.
Impact of Shuttle Time in Samoa
It’s been amazing in Samoa. The only downside is that there is still not enough of badminton. There is still so much potential in the Shuttle Time space in Samoa, and I want to be part of that growth.
Lessons from Shuttle Time
Being able to speak publicly. It was always something I wanted to work on and Shuttle Time helped me to build up these skills. The other thing I learnt from Shuttle Time was handling big groups. I never thought I could manage more than 20 kids, but through Shuttle Time I built the skills to handle that challenge.
