Yonex Eastman Open Breaking Attendance Records
Manitoba Badminton Association – Current Largest Annual Tournament in Manitoba Steinbach, Jan 29-31 – 133 Individuals are registered to play in the 5th Anniversary of the Yonex Eastman Open Badminton Tournament, January 29-31 at Steinbach Regional Secondary School. 18 more than the previous record of 115 in the 2013 Herb Richard Manitoba Open in Winnipeg. The Eastman Open is the 1st stop in a 3 part series of tournaments hosted by Badminton Manitoba in Rural Manitoba, called the “Yonex Rural Super Series”. The idea that we need to bring high quality badminton tournaments TO Rural Manitoba rather than have them come to Winnipeg was spawned by Executive Director Ryan Giesbrecht, and immediately supported in 2012 by President of the Lac du Bonnet Badminton Club, Marj Niemi and President of the Whitemouth Badminton Club and Whitemouth School Principle, Mike Carter. So together 5 years ago Marj and Mike hosted the very first Rural Super Series event, and even though it boasted a humble 43 players in it’s first year, all tournament organizers believed that it was the right direction for the sport and that nothing would stop us from hosting it again. Sure enough 5 years later players are coming in waves this year to attend the 5th Anniversary of a local and now beloved tournament. Badminton Manitoba Executive Director has this to say about this year’s tournament, “22 different clubs are represented at the tournament this weekend, including clubs as far as Reston and Grand Rapids! We have players ranging from first time tournament goers to players who have been in sanctioned tournaments for over 30 years. Ages ranging between 11 and 63. For a local tournament to bring so much joy and excitement for the game is a clear indicator that grassroots badminton is an investment that will never go out of style.” Next Tournaments in the Rural Super Series Schedule:
Notable Players this Weekend:
For more information, including photos of past winners, please contact: Ryan Giesbrecht |