Canadian Badminton Masters hoping to serve up $5,000 for KidSport Prince George

In under a year, Prince George will welcome hundreds of athletes from across the country and several other nations for an event that intends to make a smash.

The 2020 Canadian Masters Badminton Championships and its committee have decided to benefit children in the community by announcing KidSport Prince George as the charity they’ll be raising funds for by tournament’s end.

The goal of the North Central Badminton Academy (NCBA) is to string together $5,000 for the not-for-profit organization, which will help over 30 kids get into local sports programs, including badminton, by removing financial barriers.

“We believe that no child should be left on the sidelines and that all children should be given the opportunity to experience the positive benefits of organized sport,” says KidSport Prince George President Johanna Jenkins in a release.

NCBA President Shara Schenk says choosing the volunteer-run group as the tournament’s charity of choice was a no brainer.

“While we specifically run badminton programs for youth and adults, we encourage youth to lead healthy active lives, regardless of the sport or activity they choose. All youth should be able to participate in any sport of choice without any financial barriers.”

Over 200 athletes aged 30 to over 80 years old will be in B.C.’s northern capital, coming from across Canada and other countries like China, England, India, and the United States.

The Host Committee is hoping the competitiveness and international attention will draw local residents to witness the tournament and inspire the next generation of badminton ninjas.

“This is a true competitive event with proven role models of being active for life,” adds 2020 Masters Nationals Host Committee Chair Lisa Davison in the same statement. “The event also draws an audience from the very young to those who are curious about the sport to those who compete or used to compete themselves. The support, you are giving will help build healthy and active kids for life by ensuring that money is not a barrier for youth to participate in sport.”

The 72nd annual Canadian Masters Badminton Championship will take place Apr. 27 to May 2, 2020 at UNBC’s Northern Sport Centre.