Solomon Islands made their international mixed team debut at the Northern Marianas Pacific Mini Games 2022. Despite three representatives playing in the Samoa 2019 Pacific Games, they were delighted to be sending a team for the first time, guided by their coach Joanne Adrian Tasa.
Joanne came across the national badminton association in 2014 after undertaking some research towards her Majors in sport and health at the Solomon Islands National University, where she is now the University team’s coach.
She believes that badminton offers multiple benefits beyond physical fitness, commenting on the complex nature of the game and the requirement for fast decision-making, triggering different elements of the brain in order to make effective shots.
“The game uses calculations and mind games unlike any sport I’ve noticed before. It requires knowledge of mathematics and physics to make predictions about speed and angles.”
Her coaching philosophy is complimented by the likes of other research which acknowledges badminton’s ability to increase fundamental motor skills.
Despite the team losing their opening campaign to Guam 5-0, Joanne is said she was ‘extremely proud’ of her team for making this far.
“I really like the educational component of the sport and I’m really proud of our team. We still have potential that hasn’t been seen in the Solomon Islands,” said Joanne.
While in Northern Marianas, Joanne was determined to maximise her knowledge, so she undertook assessment for the Umpire Pacific Accreditation.
Combined with her increased coaching experience and growing administrative skills, she plans to impart her wisdom with other badminton associations in the Solomon Islands to develop the game which is still in it’s early years.
Article adapted from the Badminton Oceania website.