What do you get when you take a well-run, fun filled badminton tournament on a tropical island and decide to do it all again two years later? Returning players…
Rose Wapp from Manawatu, New Zealand was rarely seen without a smile on her face at the Oceania Masters In Paradise event in 2022. Winner of the ‘International Player Personality’ award at the closing function/prize giving was very apt.
Searching for some fun in the sun with partner Dave, Rarotonga was a recommendation that was at the top of Rose’s list for a holiday. After a teammate mentioned playing the sport that she loves, in Rarotonga while also enjoying some holiday time was ‘a no brainer’ Rose said.
Not really knowing what to expect, Rose now reflects on her time at OMIP 2022 with too many wonderful memories to narrow it down to one. From the welcome at the airport where she said she ‘felt like royalty’ to a fun filled Captains meeting prior to the start of the tournament where there was time to catch up with old friends and make new ones, Rose reflects fondly on her time in Rarotonga.
The friendliness of the local badminton community was unsurpassed and from day one we felt welcome.
The rest day excursion on Captain Tama’s Lagoon Cruise was filled with fun, laughter, good food and great entertainment with the day capped off playing Air Badminton at The Edgewater Resort & Spa.
Back for another round of Oceania Masters In Paradise in 2024, Rose says her 2022 experience had a 100% bearing on her returning this year. ‘Everyone that knows me, knows I quite like my badminton, and if you can combine that with a beautiful place, beautiful people that love badminton too, then its hard to say no. It’s so well organised that I felt like I was on one of the BWF tours – I just didn’t play like it!’ said Rose.
Rose is looking forward to catching up with her New Zealand badminton friends who are also attending the OMIP 2024. ‘This isn’t just a chance to play against and with them, but to spend time with them for an extended period’.
We asked Rose to describe her 2022 experience in one word: PARADISE!
