GOROKA, PAPUA NEW GUINEA — Once confined to Port Moresby and its surrounds, badminton in Papua New Guinea is now finding a new life in the Eastern Highlands – thanks to Inclusive GymBad’s grassroots efforts.
After a successful trip to Goroka in the Eastern Highlands in 2024, the crew returned to the area last month to continue crafting a badminton hub for the community.
From August 19-23, Joyce Koiari (Inclusive GymBad Monitoring & Evaluation Officer), Laurel Vagi (Inclusive GymBad PNG Manager), & Linda Pulsan (Volunteer Coach and Shuttle Time Tutor) immersed the Goroka community in everything badminton, empowering local leaders to engage others in the sport.
Training Local Leaders
The week began with a focus on equipping local educators and leaders.
In the first two days, 11 new participants took part in a Shuttle Time Teachers course, along with 5 current teachers who returned as a refresher. Candidates from the course included schoolteachers and other community leaders.
Having completed the theory component, the new teachers headed to Jolly Bee Academy and Goroka Baptist Bible College Christian Academy. There, they put their knowledge into practice.
Leading their first Shuttle Time sessions, the teachers leaned on Tutors for support, encouraging youth to join in and explore the sport.
“Athletics is my main sport, but badminton is new to me,” said Raylyne Kanam, a new Shuttle Time Teacher. “Despite being unfamiliar with it, I found badminton to be both interesting and fun. I really enjoyed the workshop and the activities provided to the schools.”
This day also laid the groundwork for a meaningful connection with two schools who are excited to offer Shuttle Time to their students.
Connecting with Community
After empowering students at local schools, the team turned their attention to the wider Goroka community.
At the National Sport Institute, the Inclusive GymBad team hosted a vibrant Come and Try day to close out the week. For 25 members of the community, of all ages and backgrounds, it was their first taste of badminton. And they loved it.
“My boys really enjoyed the game today, especially Amos,” said Leonnie, a mother who attended the event with her kids. “What he enjoyed the most was hitting the shuttle – it was exciting for him. Since it’s a new sport to him, he is very interested in getting more involved.”
But how can Shuttle Time reach even further? For new teachers like Kisa Koni, a FIFO mine worker by trade, badminton offers a unique way to blow off steam after a tough workday. It’s simple. It’s exciting. And it’s exactly what his community needs.
“This program is inclusive, fun and suitable for everyone – regardless of skill levels,” he said. “We are missing a regular sporting activity at the mine site. I want to introduce this sport to my colleagues. The activities involved are simple, enjoyable, and great for relieving stress after a long shift.”
One of the most meaningful connections made in Goroka was with the local branch of Callan Services for Disabled Persons.
This partnership marks a significant step toward making badminton accessible to all in the area, aligning with Inclusive GymBad’s mission of barrier-free sport.
As part of the Inclusive GymBad programme in Port Moresby, Badminton PNG delivers Shuttle Time to Callan School on a weekly basis. The goal is to establish a similar model in Goroka.
Looking Ahead
As Goroka continues to become a second hub for badminton in Papua New Guinea, the work local Shuttle Time Teachers from the 2024 visit have done has not gone unnoticed.
Since 2024, 86 children have participated in Shuttle Time, with even more projected for the next year.
“This year’s trip was a big success!” said Joyce Koiari. “We had more participants than ever and were able to do even more visits. It was especially great to see returning participants from last year stepping up and taking the lead. The Come and Try day was also a highlight—such a fun and engaging experience for everyone involved!”
Once limited to Port Moresby, badminton is now flourishing in Goroka. Inclusive GymBad’s vision of fun, connection, and success for all is becoming a reality, one shuttle at a time.
Inclusive GymBad’s expansion into Eastern Highlands was made possible by support from the Australian Aid programme Team Up.
