KINGSTON, Jamaica — The inaugural staging of the 2016 Nestle Healthy Kids Primary/Preparatory Schools Badminton championship was launched at the Social Development Foundation (SDF) offices a short while ago.

The championship is set to start at 9:30 am on February 6 at the Young Men’s Christian Academy.

Events that will be played on the day include are boys’ and girls’ singles, boys’ and girls’ doubles and mixed doubles. Each player will be allowed to participate in up to three events, while participating schools are limited to two players per event.

David Thomas, president of the Jamaica Badminton Association, said that playing badminton at the primary and preparatory level is important to the development of the sport in the country.

“The introduction of the game this early is very important in building the sport of badminton in Jamaica.

“Learning the game this early will also develop the players at this stage so they can work their way up to junior level and the senior level,” Thomas told OBSERVER ONLINE.

Ruddy Allen