The following is being distributed on behalf of Sport Newfoundland and Labrador:

Newfoundland coach appointed to national badminton team

Mike Alexander, of Kippens, is one of three coaches Badminton Canada has appointed to the coaching staff for the 2006 National Under 17 Team, which will compete at the Pan American Badminton Championship in July 2006. Ram Nayar, of Vancouver, BC, has been appointed head coach, and Stephane Cadieux of Toronto, Ont, rounds out the coaching staff.

Mike has coached two Canada Games badminton teams for the province, and served as Badminton Newfoundland and Labrador�s provincial coach for many years. In November 2004, he attended the World Junior Championship in Richmond, BC. He has also attended international seminars and camps with Olympic gold medalists and world champions. During July 2005, Mr. Alexander assisted at an international camp which hosted 15 top juniors from North and South America, under head coach Bang Soo Hyun, gold medalist in women�s singles at the 1996 Olympics.

Mike is currently head coach at the Stephenville Junior Badminton Club, where he has helped develop many provincial and Atlantic champions. His program in Stephenville focuses on youth aged 8-17 years old.

For more information, contact Mike Alexander at (709) 643-9869 or m.alex@warp.nfld.net

2005 09 27                          1:40 p.m.