Two administrators involved in New Caledonia’s badminton scene have been awarded with a ministerial award.
The Medal of Youth, Sports and Associative commitment is a French civilian award, which honours people who have distinguished themselves through commitment and service to sport, associations, youth movements and similar socio-educational activities.
There are three grades of awards:
- holders of the bronze level become holders of the Medal of Honour for Youth and Sports
- holders of the silver echelon become Knights of Sporting Merit
- holders of the gold echelon become Officers of Sporting Merit
Joel Nicole was awarded with the silver ministerial medal, following his commitment to his club ‘Jeunesse Indonésienne’, Presidential services to New Caledonia Badminton Association (NCBA) from 2003 to 2018, and his support as New Caledonia’s Team Manager at the 2007 and 2011 Pacific Games.
Additionally, Yann Hnaissilin was awarded the bronze ministerial medal following his role as President for the Paita Badminton Club from 2017 to 2020, managing the New Caledonian team at the Samoa 2019 Pacific Games, and his role on the NCBA Executive Board NCBA from 2018 to 2020.
Joel and Yann join the likes of current NCBA President, national squad player and multi-Pacific Games medalist, Johanna Kou, who has previously received the silver award; and Mr Sargito who received the gold medal in 2019. Sargito was heavily involved in the creation and sustainability of his club ‘Jeunesse Indonésienne’ and additional services to NBCA since 1985.
Story adapted from Badminton Oceania website.