The Saskatchewan Badminton Association (SBA) is a non-profit provincial sport-governing organization, dedicated to the development of badminton in Saskatchewan.
Through various programs including tournaments, clinics, camps, training Centre aids and provincial teams, the SBA supports athletes of all ages, coaches and officials.
The History of the Saskatchewan Badminton Association
1920’s – Badminton is introduced to Canada through veterans of WWI returning from England. Badminton clubs were establishing across the province due to the rise of interest in the sport and desire to play year round in facilities.
1925 – Saskatchewan Badminton Association (SBA) is formally organized.
March 19, 1926 – First Annual meeting of SBA is held in Moose Jaw at the Armory.
All badminton clubs throughout the province were invited by SBA to join the Association and to nominate a member to the volunteer Board of Directors.
Clubs existed in Saskatoon, Regina, Moose Jaw and Yorkton.
1926 – The annual provincial tournament was established, hosting events for singles, doubles and mixed play.
1932 – SBA players began participating in the Canadian Badminton Championships.
1940’s – Badminton had grown throughout the province to support both recreational and competitive play in Club facilities, schools, churches and armories.
1943-1947 – SBA closes operations for WWII the following decade serves as a rebuilding period as many Clubs did not reopen post war.
1960’s – SBA services and efforts grew in response to new federal and provincial grants.
Funding was directed towards improving the level of play via tournaments and clinics for students.
1972 – Sasksport is created and SBA becomes a charter member.
This enabled administrative support, training and fundraising services for the volunteer Board of Directors.
1970’s – SBA increased funding for athletes and the hiring of a provincial coach due to SaskLotteries funding.
1986 – Hired their first Executive Director, operations were no longer solely run by volunteers.
1980’s – Professional development for coaches and training clinics for officials were introduced by SBA.
1990’s – SBA hired a Grassroots coach to travel to schools throughout Saskatchewan to offer free clinics to teachers and students in an effort to increase sport awareness and participation.
1991 – Sport of badminton was added to the Saskatchewan Indian Winter Games and SBA supplied coaches and officials to assist and grow further participation in indigenous communities.
2011 – SBA organized and hosted the first Canadian National Aboriginal Badminton Championships
Saskatchewan Badminton Association 