Visit of badminton duo a success
"Absolutely awesome" was how the visit to Hastings of Nathan Robertson and Gail Emms MBE was described by the event organiser.
The Olympic medal winners delivered an exclusive Badminton Masterclass day to aspiring young players at Helenswood Sports Centre on Sunday.
David Fletcher, who organised the day on behalf of Hastings Junior Badminton Club, said: "I was expecting it to be good, but the delivery was truly outstanding. I've not yet had one negative comment.
"As for the kids, I'm hoping it's an experience that will be motivational for them. I didn't see a single long face and the place was absolutely buzzing."
The Masterclass was split into three age related sessions with 31 under-11s first up from 9.30-11.30am, followed by 24 under-13s from 12-2pm, and lastly 14 older teenagers and adults from 3-5pm.
The players in each session were divided into three groups. Robertson worked on training routines and serving, Emms concentrated on teamwork and hitting at targets, while Andy Alford, fitness and performance director at Badminton England, focused on movement.
Later on in each session, Robertson took the boys and Emms the girls in a knockout until only one player was left. The surviving boy partnered Emms and the girl teamed up with Robertson in a friendly match up to 11 points.
Every player received a signed photo of Robertson and Emms, who also signed racket bags and shoes, as well as being happy to have their photos taken with the children.
All the players' names were entered into a special draw with the winner receiving a shirt signed by Robertson and Emms from last year's Beijing Olympics.
There was a steady flow of spectators throughout the day, and a raffle raised just over 100 which will be split between Hastings Junior Badminton Club and St Michael's Hospice.
"They came across as very down to earth people," added Fletcher, who is also the Hastings schools' coach, "and because of that the children were able to relate to them.
"It was very thought provoking. For me as a coach I've learned things that I can take into the schools with me and I hope the whole thing raises the profile of badminton."
Robertson and Emms won silver in the mixed doubles at the 2004 Olympics, plus gold at the 2004 European Championships, 2006 World Championships and 2006 Commonwealth Games.
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Weather for Hastings
Sunday 12 February 2012
Today
Light rain
Temperature: 2 C to 5 C
Wind Speed: 10 mph
Wind direction: North west
Tomorrow
Cloudy
Temperature: 3 C to 6 C
Wind Speed: 16 mph
Wind direction: North west
