Some top American players, Tony Gunawan, Howard Bach, Bob Malaythong, Shannon Pohl and Howard Shu, showed up in Chicago for 2008 Chicago Mayor Daley’s Sports Festival. Everyone is nice. I got to takes some pictures with them and even played few rallys with Tony Gunawan.
Good stuff! ThePlayer, what's your take on whether this made some new fans of badminton? This is the kind of thing that the BWF should lend a hand, if required.
nICE piC and good event, i think it have great influence to promote badminton all over the world, speCially in USA...
Badminton is a major event in 2008 Chicago Mayor Daley’s Sports Festival. The is a combined effort of BadmintonChicagrg (a Chicago non-profit organization), WSC (World Sports Chicago), USAB (USA Badminton), Yonex, and MBA (Midwest Badminton Association) to promote badminton. The top players played exhibition games, hold clinic for young kids, interacted with fans. It definited helped to promote badminton in Chicago area. Estimated 25,000 people will visit the festival this year. High quality exhibition games will definite draw attension of fans as well as by other standers. Chicago Park District rolled out badminton early this year. CPD also hosted a tournament during the festival.
urrr... that's a huge men's washroom sign in the background in the 2nd picture. Do they make it that big because most guys(in your city) get confuse and go into the ladies washroom a lot??? Note: the handicap washroom sign is very small in the last picture.
This place is huge. It hosts auto shows every year. The Lady's Room sign is huge too. I think it needs a big sign for big place.
It would make more sense to make a bigger Handicap sign instead especially for those who are sitting in a wheelchair as their vision may be limited since they are sitting down.
Not bad... ..not a bad gig & number to promote the sport. Thanks for sharing the pics! Btw, are the rest of our Chicago-based BCers & our dear Master silentheart coming to this festival?? C'mon, we need some more high level players to challenge these U.S. players & the local Chi-town BCers should be spending the whole day there!
Best players from mid-west came today to play along side with those U.S. players. They palyed quite a few single and double games. People loved it when Tony and Howard doing their jump smash/return routine. Tony's defence is amazing. So is his jump smash.