Family holiday entertainment last century often centred on games and sporting contests in the back yard, park or beach. The explosion of digital pursuits in the last 15 years has seen many youngsters spend more of their holiday time indoors. The results of generational inactivity have seen rising rates of obesity and diabetes type 2 in young Australians. The return of a strong “Life Be In It” message is roundly echoed by Government health agencies and lifestyle advocates.
One new game driving the backyard sports revival is Speedminton. This hybrid racket sport is a cross between tennis and badminton, and is designed for outdoor play. Square courts set up on any open area with the distance between them (12.8 metres for adult competition matches) acting as the net. Light, large headed rackets make rallies easy even for beginners and the new Speeders fly accurately even in moderate winds. Fluorescent Speed-lights in the Night Speeder even allow for play in complete darkness; extending the fun on those balmy summer evenings.
This mantra of Anywhere, Anytime; has seen Speedminton become the world’s fastest growing racket sport. Whilst there are National Open tournaments almost every weekend of the European summer and biennial World Championships, here in Australia the focus has been on introducing Speedminton into the schools system.
“We have close to 3000 Aussie schools now using Speedminton for their racket sport programs”, explains Geoff Bannister from Speedminton Australia. “The user-friendly nature of Speedminton is a massive plus and for many kids it is their first racket sport experience and they love the feeling”.
Transferring this enthusiasm into the mainstream Australian leisure conscience is a massive challenge given the numerous recreational offer the climate and landscape offers, but ever increasing inroads are being made.
“It only takes one Christmas back-yard gathering for an entire extended family to fall in love with Speedminton. Very quickly there is a fun, healthy and affordable new activity added to the play list”’ adds Geoff.
Beginner Speedminton sets start at around $66.00 with fully self-contained sets with in-built courts retailing for $137.00.
For more information go to www.speedminton.com.au or contact Geoff Bannister, geoff@speedminton.com.au, 0433 476 946
