Port Alberni’s badminton teams were in the spotlight last Saturday as the Alberni Athletic Badminton Association hosted a one-day tournament at the Athletic Hall on Roger Street.
The turnout was “fabulous”, a team spokesperson said. Players from Nanaimo, Campbell River, Port Alberni and Maple Ridge all competed in singles, doubles and mixed doubles matches through out the day.
The Maple Ridge team made the trip over by bus, they had a whole bus load of players dedicated to participate in this fun tournament.
There were some very exciting games happening on the courts, teammates would line the stands to cheer on their teammate.
The Tournament invited all ages under 19 to come out and play.
The youngest participant’s where as young as 8 years old.
Coach Larry Spencer was helpful to the Port Alberni club kids, he would enter onto the courts during small breaks in a game to give advice and tips about their game.
Mike Clark, assistant coach and head coach to the BC Winter Games 2012 Zone 6 Badminton team, was busy upstairs tending to the court details, announcing matches on the courts.
Athletes were given medals for standings in all events for their age category.
The youngest players were given prizes for their efforts.
Spencer Rhodes and Rylee Mitchell of Port Alberni, who just returned from the B.C. Winter Games last week, placed first and second respectively in the under-14 boys singles event. They teamed up for second place in U14 boys’ doubles.
Other results were unavailable.