Our July Serve-ing Pacific winner is Ngaoa Ranginui of the Cook Islands Badminton association. Ngaoa who has been a volunteer for over 8 years was nominated for the value of leadership.
Tell us about yourself?
I am a Cook Islander and citizen of Aotearoa New Zealand. I have lived most of my life in the islands. For the last decade I have served as legal counsel in the Land Division of the High Court of the Cook Islands. My hobbies, other than sports, are landscaping and gardening.
Tell us about your roles and journey with Badminton
My passion is badminton. I am on the Executive Board of Badminton Oceania and trained to Level 1 as BWF Coach. Some of the things I have been involved with were taking our young players to their first Aims Games in Tauranga Aotearoa, attending Women in Badminton Scholarship as well as Badminton Oceania and BWF Coaching Courses.
What do you most enjoy about badminton?
My belief comes from the all-inclusive nature of the sport. Badminton, island-style, allows players of every age, size, physical ability to take part as full members of this sports family
What role do you think that badminton plays in your country/community?
When Badminton was completely new in the Cook Islands it was, of course, at the bottom of popularity. Badminton Cook Islands is now close to being the third most popular sport in our island country, soon, we think to leave netball behind. I have no doubt that it is just a matter of time before we edge out football and rugby to become the most-played sport in the Cook Islands.
What is the highlight for you volunteering in badminton?
Seeing our young players grow in assurance and skill is my reward.
