Staff
The Fort Frances Badminton Club put the finishing touches on another memorable season Monday night with its annual wind-up and awards event at Fort High.
Long-time club instructor Manami Alexander unveiled a new parent award in recognition of Darlene and Ken Desjardins—honouring them for their outstanding support to the club since its inception in 1996.
The Desjardins’ four children (Kenny, Simone, Natalie, and Tim) all flourished in the club and at the high school badminton level.
“Darlene and Ken are the most dedicated and supportive parents I’ve ever had,” Alexander enthused. “They trusted me to coach and guide their children in the sport.
“It was more than a pleasure to have all of their children in the program and create many unforgettable memories,” Alexander added.
Tim, the youngest of the four, was given an outstanding graduate award for his eight years with the club, including three OFSAA appearances as a member of the Muskie badminton squad.
The co-MVPs at the senior level (high school and up) were Chelsea Carlson and Rory Bagacki while Anika Alexander (age 11-13) and Taylor Whitehead (age eight-10) were the other MVP winners.
The tops in attendance were presented with mini shuttles, including Whitehead (94 percent attendance), Kimika Alexander (92 percent), and Jordan Bruyere (87 percent).
Most improved skill awards went to Cam Bowles (high clear), Bruyere (overhead stroke), Logan Fedorak (long serve), Sarah Bagacki (smash shot), Adam Taylor (footwork), Celia Berry (drop shot), Tim Desjardins (doubles strategies), Kimika Alexander (backhand shot), Hannah Taylor (drive shot), and Jillian Berry (serve and receive).
The top three finishers in the junior challenge ladder were presented with medals, including Whitehead (first), Anika Alexander (second), and Bruyere (third).
The duos of Rory Bagacki/Tim Desjardins and Kimika Alexander/Chelsea Carlson also represented Fort High well at the all-Ontarios in Sudbury last month—both winning a match against stiff competition.
The junior-aged pair of Jillian Berry and Hannah Taylor took gold in the girls’ doubles event at NWOSSAA in Thunder Bay, and now will be moving up to the senior division.
Intermediate players often are taken to out-of-town tournaments in Manitoba to fine-tune their skills against top-level competition.
The club runs from September through May, with sessions taking place every Monday and Wednesday night at Robert Moore School.
The nine- to 13-year-olds (Junior I and II) go in the first session (5:30-7 p.m.) while the high school students and up, including adults, are in the second group (7-9 p.m.)
The FFBC also hosts an annual invitational tournament each March, with this year’s edition drawing a record number of entries.
Next season will get underway Sept. 14.
The club always is looking to expand its membership base. Anyone interested may get further information through Manami Alexander (274-3786).
