As it is in every corner of the world, due to the COVID-19 global pandemic, schools in Azerbaijan have also been closed in preference of interactive teaching. After rounds of completed vaccination for teachers, now the hybrid model is being implemented and soon, there will be a transition to full-time interactive teaching.
Being in lockdown has affected society negatively and thus, the implementation of ‘Shuttle Time Tour’ has contributed positively to life and motivated teachers to teach badminton when schools reopen.
In doing so, Azerbaijan Republic Badminton Federation (ABF) aims to achieve a more competitive atmosphere in selecting and training qualified sportsmen.
Initiated by ABF, the tour aims to deliver Shuttle Time Teachers Course in an open-air environment to sports teachers from around Azerbaijan, covering 14 cities in total with focus on five – Baku, Sumgait, Ganja, Lankaran and Qusar.
The aim of the project is to:
- Raise awareness of badminton and make it one of the popular sports.
- Promote up-to-date information on the fundamentals of badminton teaching in schools.
- Make Shuttle Time resources available in Azerbaijani language for broad use countrywide.
- Identify potential candidates to be trained as professional coaches.
The objective of the project is to:
- Engage at least 80 participants in each city, also training teachers from nearby cities.
- Educate and train a total of 400 teachers.
- Target equal participation based on gender.
The first tour in Lankaran was successfully held from 11-14 May. Four Shuttle Time Teachers Courses were delivered each day to 20 participants, meaning 80 teachers from the cities of Lankaran, Masalli, Astara, Yardimli, Jalilabad and Lerik graduated at the end of the tour.
Azerbaijan is also the 140th country who joined the BWF Shuttle Time family! (map)
“It could be evaluated as a brand-new start for the society, especially regional residents, to get to know badminton closer. In light of COVID-19 and a period of inactive lifestyle in lockdown, it was a good incentive for teachers to go back to school with up-to-date information and motivate kids to acquire badminton skills. It is also a very good opportunity for ABF to identify potential coaches and sportsmen from different regions.” – Parvin Piriyev, Shuttle Time National Coordinator of Azerbaijan.
The Shuttle Time Tour will next head to Qusar, Baku, Sumgait and Ganja by July.
