Heroine’s celebrate 40 years of Badminton at State Sport Centres
For 40 years, a band of female badminton players have celebrated their sport each and every year, and in 2024, State Sport Centres is joining in on the fun.
For 40 years, a band of female badminton players have celebrated their sport each and every year, and in 2024, State Sport Centres is joining in on the fun.
The biggest badminton tournament in the Southern Hemisphere, the Atalanta Jamboree Ladies Badminton Championships, is being held at MSAC from 13 – 19 October. Over 200 women and 47 teams have filled the Badminton hall for a week of fun, friendship and championship glory!
Dallas Cooper, Australasian Ladies Badminton Association President is delighted to see the event go from strength to strength, even after all these years.
“It’s the fellowship,” she explains, that keeps these women coming back year after year.
“I’ve been to every one [Jamboree] for the last 40 years [and] I’m still playing 40 years later, so you can imagine I’m not young now!” said Dallas, who shares with us that she’s in her 80th year.
What started as eight teams in 1983, grew to 81 pre-COVID, and the event is slowly gaining more teams each year.
The event itself is named after the Greek heroine, Atalanta. She was celebrated for her unmatched speed and strength, and embodied feminine power, challenging traditional roles and proving her worth.
With team names like the Eager Beavers, the Silver Vixens, the Hot Flashes and the Tassie Tortoises, it’s clear it’s all about having some fun amongst the fierce competition.
Although the event features many women playing well into their twilight years, Dallas would love to see some younger generations take up the sport and get involved.
“Get into it as young as you can,” she advises. “Get coaching, which is something we didn’t have, it makes a big difference.”
Dallas explains that learning the basics like “standing properly and [learning] to attack the shuttle and return properly” can make all the difference.
“It’s a game you can play at the top level, and you can keep playing until you’re 80!” she smiles as she picks up her racquet to take to the court.
Victoria’s leading clubs and athletes train and compete here at MSAC, using our premium facilities for local and state events and competitions.
You can book a court up to two weeks in advance via our Client Portal.
Find out more about Badminton and how you can play in Victoria via Badminton Victoria’s website.
