MUSCAT: The Oman Racket Sports Committee (ORSC) launched community sports initiative named under " Shuttlecock in Parks, Gardens and Beaches" as part of community initiatives. ORSC, since its formation in last July 2023, working very hard to spread the racket sports across the Sultanate of Oman through series of activities, events and initiatives.
The first phase of the newly launched initiative implementation took place during the holy month of the Ramadhan in three days in different venues. The initiative began on Sunday and Tuesday at Al Sahwa Park while it took place at Qurum Natural Park on Monday last week. It is expected that the initiative will continue after Eid break and will cover different areas. This initiative is inline to the committee's interest in encouraging various segments of society to engage in badminton as one of the easy-to-practice sports in various locations such as parks, gardens, open squares and hard surfaces. This initiative is integrated into the committee's programme to practice shuttlecock outdoors.
The first initiative featured large participation from the community as the committee targeted open areas in parks and gardens frequented by different segments of society, especially during this period of the holy month of Ramadhan as people engaged more in sports after breaking their fast and after Eisha prayer. During the open initiative, the committee representatives introduced people to the objectives and methods of playing badminton, as well as the importance of encouraging its practice outdoors through playing badminton in the air and the possibility of transferring this experience to their homes. Organisers also taught visitors to the parks the basics of the game in a fun and relaxing atmosphere.
Dr Abdulrahim al Droushi, the Chairman of ORSC, said that this activity is one of the significant initiative organised by the committee. “ We are very pleased to launch this community sports initiative which targets to expand the practice base of badminton and enhance individuals' awareness about the possibility of engaging in other physical activities outdoors".
"This initiative also inline to our continuous efforts to promote and encourage healthy lifestyles through sports, as badminton is one of the sports suitable for all ages and physical fitness levels," he added
"Thanks to the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth for their continuous support and special goes to Muscat Municipality for their fruitful cooperation. We also thank the participants in this initiative and we confirm to all the sports lovers that the committee will continue with this programme in the upcoming period as the initiative will be studied and evaluated before starting the second phase later this year," he ended.
Similar activities
Ammar al Hamadi, the admin Manager of Badminton Activities at the ORSC, said that the target of this initiative to spread this sport. “ The committee is planning to continue offering similar community activities and initiatives, diversifying their implementation between parks, beaches, and suitable open spaces, due to their role in spreading the game widely across the Sultanate of Oman as it is a sport that can be practiced anywhere providing a beautiful space for family members to play together even in their home gardens." He added
Unique Opportunity
Yazan al Amri affirmed that the initiative is an excellent idea especially it contributes to educating and raising awareness among Al Sahwa Park visitors about badminton. “ We had a fun and beautiful experience and learned the correct way to play and learn more technical skills. Great thanks for the ORSC team for these hard efforts."
Majid al Ghailani and Sami al Busaidi shared their feedback as well and they said:” it is an enjoyable game characterised by competition and precision in passing and receiving. We had an excellent experience. We hope this initiative will be expanded in shopping malls to reach the largest possible number of people."
Hussam al Mahruqi, participant in the initiative with his wife, said, "We enjoyed experiencing badminton at Al Sahwa Park, organised by the ORSC. We find it a distinctive and very enjoyable initiative and we hope to see more similar events in the future."
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