EGBA appeals help for players
They have to play in 12 tournaments all over the world to earn points towards their world rankings during 2023.
The Eastern Gauteng Badminton Association (EGBA) is appealing for help for four players from the association who are part of the Badminton Confederation Africa (BCA) Road to Paris programme.
Amy Ackerman, Deidrè Jordaan, Robert White and Jarred Elliot are part of 18 players identified by BCA as most promising to qualify for the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris.
“EGBA has four of the six South African players selected for the programme. This is an outstanding achievement for all of them,” said EGBA president Christy Thomas.
Thomas explained limited funding from both BCA and Badminton South Africa (BSA) is a major stumbling block in the players’ Paris 2024 quest, as they have to participate in several tournaments to improve their world rankings.
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“The program only includes partial sponsorship or grants for a selected number of tournaments to assist these players to improve their world ranking for selection for the Olympics in Paris.
“They have to play in 12 tournaments over the world to earn points towards their world rankings during 2023.
Badminton South Africa is assisting where possible with funding for the rest of the costs but their funding is limited.
“This leaves the players to fund all outstanding costs for flights, accommodation, visas, and food and transport themselves,” he said.
He has appealed to corporates and individuals to help these players fulfil their dream of representing South Africa at the Olympics.
“All contributions are welcome. Send it to the EGBA bank account and it will be allocated to the players. Deidrè Jordaan and Amy Ackerman are also crowdfunding through BackaBuddy. Corporate sponsorship will also be welcome.”
The EGBA banking details:
• Nedbank
• Account: 1904158536
• Branch code: 198765
• Reference: R2P WD
To donate to Amy’s cause, go to: https://www.backabuddy.co.za/champion/project/amy-ackerman-5398340571673005092
To donate to Deidrè’s cause, visit https://www.backabuddy.co.za/champion/project/deidre-jordaan-5395927561315769283
Also Read: EGBA players crowned triple champions at nationals
