At the Badminton Oceania Annual General Meeting on Thursday, 24 April, the 2024 Heather Robson Award recipient was announced. This prestigious award, which recognises an individual’s outstanding contribution to the promotion and development of badminton in the Oceania region, was awarded to Johanna Kou from New Caledonia.
An Award 20 Years In The Making
Johanna’s journey with badminton began in 2004 when she started as Secretary of the Ligue. Her dedication and leadership have been evident throughout her career. Since 2018, Johanna has served as President and will continue until January 2029, marking her final term. For over 20 years, she has also been the General Secretary for her club, leading their Coaching & Development programmes.
As the Head Coach of the youth team for over a decade, Johanna has played a crucial role in nurturing young talent. Her multifaceted contributions include being a player, multiple medalist (including several gold medals at Pacific Games), coach, technical official, team manager, cook, chaperone, and tournament event director at every youth tournament in the region. Her tireless efforts have significantly boosted membership and enthusiasm for badminton in New Caledonia.
Since 2016, Johanna has been a dedicated member of the BOC Executive Board, attending meetings diligently, even during challenging times in NCL. She is known for her willingness to share her extensive knowledge of badminton and governance with other members of the Pacific, assisting them in the growth of the sport in their own countries.
Johanna Kou’s commitment to badminton and her community is truly exceptional. Her tireless efforts and multifaceted contributions have made a lasting impact on the sport in the Oceania region. Her achievements are a testament to her hard work and dedication.
The other nominees for the 2024 Heather Robson Award were Glenn Cox (NZL), Merlie Tolentino (NMP), Nicolas Mouret (TAH), Rochelle Liyanage (AUS), and Sandra David (AUS). Their contributions to badminton in the Oceania region are highly commendable.
Johanna Kou’s recognition with the Heather Robson Award is well-deserved, reflecting her significant impact on badminton in New Caledonia and beyond.
