—Daily Freeman-Journal photo courtesy of Zoami Sosa Shelby Kroona, of Webster City, gets ready to serve the shuttlecock during a friendly game of badminton at Fuller Hall Recreation Center last year. Badminton returns to Fuller Hall on Tuesday, Jan. 9 at 6 p.m. There is no cost to participate.

Swing into the new year by picking up a racquet and participating in badminton at Fuller Hall.

Individuals can participate in the recreational sport on Tuesdays beginning Jan. 9, from 6-7:30 p.m.

Badminton is a sport in which racquets are used to hit a shuttlecock across a net. This sport is most commonly played in singles – one player on each side of the net – and doubles – two players on each side of the net.

“The nice thing about badminton is anybody regardless of age, size, or skill level can play,” said Webster City Recreation & Public Grounds Director Kent Harfst.

“Many people think the game of badminton is backyard fun that is played with family and friends. While it still is, some persons treat it very competitively and will compete in the Iowa Games,” Harfst said. “For our Tuesday badminton night, it is an opportunity for all ages and skills levels to have fun and get a little exercise.”

This is the second year Fuller Hall will be having badminton available for all ages.

“All of the credit goes to Zoami Sosa for creating this opportunity,” Harfst said. “Zoami is a member of the Park and Recreation Commission and continues to think of other recreational opportunities for both kids and adults.”

Last May, Sosa organized the First Annual Badminton Tournament at Fuller Hall. This year with the help of a Webster City Hotel/Motel Tax grant award, she and others will be promoting a second tournament and hopefully have more teams.

For now it will consist of pickup games each night. In the future if there is enough interest recreational leagues will be formed.

“It’s kind of a low-key activity,” Harfst said. “There’s no officiating. Players just have some fun.”

According to Harfst, Sosa will be on hand to help beginners with the rules of the game.

“This past year when we had it on Monday nights, they would just come and play pickup games and that’s we’re going to try again starting Tuesday,” Harfst said. “What we would like to do is, if we get enough interest, to play some pickup games starting off where just everybody shows up and they play and then eventually they make teams and develop a recreational league for it.”

Harfst hopes to get at least eight teams each week. As the recreational sport is open to all ages, if enough kids come out each week, Harfst explained they could add a separate kids’ league.

“At least eight teams would be ideal,” Harfst said. “That way each team would play somebody else.”

“That’s part of the fun of it. Besides the sport itself – the exercise benefits – it’s a social activity that is a good way to meet people or visit with people you might not normally associate with,” said Harfst. “That’s what we’re about here.”

There is no costs to participate. No equipment is necessary. Individuals may bring their own racquet if they choose. Children must come with a parent or guardian. Fuller Hall is located at 625 Bank St.

“As long as you are physically able to and you aren’t fighting any type of cold or flu, I think it does your body good to get out and get some fresh air,” said Harfst. “It can be a strenuous activity, but it doesn’t have to be.”

For more questions about badminton at Fuller Hall, contact Harfst at (515) 832-9194 or email Kent_Harfst@webstercity.com.

“Everyone remembers playing badminton as a kid,” said Harfst. “This is a great way to get some exercise and have some fun with people.”