Colombia’s own creative spin on the BWF Shuttle Time Schools Programme gave birth in 2018 to “Vico Mi Amigo El Volante” – Spanish for “Vico, my friend the shuttle”.
Created by Colombian Badminton Federation and led by certified BWF Shuttle Time Trainer Oscar Vera and BWF Shuttle Time Teacher Mauricio Cercado, the project’s interesting concept sees the usage of a character named “Vico” as an example to keep children interested in the sport.
The project’s aim is to strengthen the training processes of the physical education classes for Grade 1 and 2 (six-year-olds) students, with emphasis on motor development and healthy lifestyle habits.
At the start of 2019, Shuttle Time Teacher and Tutor Courses were held targeting primary and secondary school teachers. Throughout these courses, the ideas of “Vico Mi Amigo El Volante” project were shared to encourage implementation of this pedagogical strategy in schools.
In July, the project’s first activity was delivered at the Jorge Mario Bergoglio Philharmonic School in the town of Suba, Bogota. More than 100 primary and secondary school students participated.
Throughout, “Vico” played an important part in the learning process of the BWF Shuttle Time activities. He was present in class work guides, under the supervision of the teachers.
“Vico has made the process of bringing the boys and girls closer to badminton much easier,” explained one of the teachers about the project’s impact.
“We want the children to see it as a lifestyle with excellent healthy habits now that badminton occupies an important place in the day-to-day running of the school.
“More importantly, parents now realise Vico and badminton benefit schoolchildren and adolescents.”
With Vico’s popularity among the kids, the BWF Shuttle Time Schools Programme looks set to continue its exciting journey in Colombia.
