^{The following text and the photo care of the Tribune article published Sun Feb 21}

Josh Curry first picked up a badminton racquet seven or eight years ago when he tagged along with his older brother Sean.

A friend had invited Sean to the Palmerston North Badminton Club and Josh went too.

But it is the younger Curry who is competing in the Oceania Championships in Invercargill later this month.

Josh, 17, will contend the junior and open titles against New Zealanders, Australians, and possibly players from other Pacific nations.

Manawatu Badminton will have a site at the Esplanade Open Day.

We will be there most of the day and will have a portable net set up for the public to have a go and to put on a few demonstration games.

Here's hoping that it is a nice day with no wind.

If you would like to be involved click here to contact Tura.

We are on the hunt for a big whiteboard/blackboard and a tent or gazebo so let us know if you can help.

A level one Umpires Course will be held at Sport Manawatu on Saturday 13 March 10.00 am to 5.00 pm and Sunday 14 March 9.30 am to 12.30 pm. Don't miss this opportunity to learn the rules of badminton and how to practically apply them. You can become a nationally qualified umpire, and who knows, this could lead to international experience and travel. Or if you just want to learn the rules, come along, and meet one of our top international umpires who has many stories to inspire you.

Download the brochure below if you are interested.

Alex Scott, President of Badminton Manawatu from 1996-99 and well known on the local badminton courts celebrated 50 years as a Pharmacist this week. Link to Manawatu Standard article here

In a momentous occasion for local badminton, Janice Cudby (President/Treasurer of Badminton Manawatu) was announced as the Manawatu Standard Sport Administrator of the Year at the 2009 Central Energy Trust Manawatu Sportsperson of the Year Awards. Held at the Awapuni Function Centre, Palmerston North on the evening of Fri 13 November 2009.