Yellowwood Park badminton player encourages youth to take up the racquet sport

FOR up-and-coming badminton star Heath Vaughn Delport, the racquet sport has many great benefits and opens new doors.

Delport (18), of Yellowwood Park, is already on his way to achieving his goal of playing professionally in the future. He has played for the KZN U19 A-team and was selected for the SA Badminton Junior Squad, which is seen as an emerging squad.

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Delport also plays A-league badminton for the Queensburgh Badminton Club.

Badminton is a sport played using racquets to hit a shuttlecock across a net. Although it may be played with larger teams, the most common forms of the game are singles and doubles.
Delport, a BCom marketing student at NewBridge Graduate Institute, said his passion for the sport started at age 12.

“My dad introduced me to the sport as he has been playing since he was a teenager. I first started playing with the Yellowwood Park Badminton Club (YWPBC) and was hooked from the moment that I held a racquet. I was also inspired by the other players and their passion for the game – it just rubbed off on me,” he said.

Delport said some of his highlights so far were being placed third overall in the U19 rankings and winning the SA Schools Tournament with his school team last year.

“We went on to achieve third place in the All Africa International Tournament. It was an amazing feeling and motivated me to keep playing and grow in the sport. If I get a chance to play professionally in the future, I will definitely not miss the opportunity,” he said.

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Delport said the sport has many benefits, especially for the youth.

“It is a great way to stay fit and socialise. If you play in school, there are many benefits as you can achieve your colours and even get a bursary,” he said.

Delport said his father, Edwin, is his role model.

“He is the man I have looked up to my whole life. He has taught me everything I know, both on and off the court,” he said.

Delport, who currently trains and plays with the YWPBC, said he encouraged people to try out the sport.

“The best time to start badminton is right now as you will love it. I also encourage people to join a club as the more experienced players will offer you great advice and help you reach your full potential,” he said.

For those interested in finding out more or joining the YWPBC, attend one of their sessions held at the Yellowwood Park Civic Centre on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 19:00 to 21:00.

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