The Shepparton and District Primary Schools Badminton Doubles Championship returned with a bang last week.
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In its second year the competition — that encourages primary schools from the Goulburn Valley and beyond to try their hand at the sport — welcomed four new schools to Shepparton Sports Stadium on Thursday.
Sirius College, Rutherglen Primary School, the Little School House and Cobram Anglican Grammar School joined the ranks of the event, bringing fresh faces to proceedings.
Also in action this year was an umpiring group comprised mostly of secondary school students from Shepparton Christian College, that was mentored by international umpire Kathryn Blencowe in preparation for officiating the event.
Cason Sports was once again on board to help sponsor the competition, with Shepparton Badminton Association coordinating the tournament.
Cason Sports provided shuttles, encouragement awards and medals, which were handed out across three divisions on the day.
In division one it was back-to-back glory for St Joseph's Primary School Charlton, taking out the competition ahead of Shepparton Christian College and Cobram Anglican Grammar School.
Topping the podium in division two was St Joseph's as well with a team comprised solely of Year 4 students, while Rutherglen Primary School and Sirius College rounded out the placings.
In division three it was a clean sweep for Rutherglen, with three of its teams filling all of the spots on the podium.
The home education sector was involved on the day with a Little School House team entered which included the first Year 2 students to take part in the proceedings.
"The aim is to make it bigger and better each year," volunteer Wayne McLeod said.
"We want to try and elevate the school levels and get more schools involved, especially from the outer areas (of the Goulburn Valley).
"Last year it generated a huge interest amongst the primary school fraternity and they turned up wanting to play (in the regular Shepparton Badminton Association competitions).
"It's a health benefit for the community (as well), you want everyone involved in some sort of activity that is ongoing and badminton is a safe one ... I think it's a very good sport.
"We do want to build up next year (again), so the more schools that want to join the better."
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