The Pan American Badminton Confederation commemorated its 50th anniversary with a special dinner in Lima, Peru, bringing together international sports authorities, representatives of its Member Associations, and strategic partners to celebrate five decades of badminton development across the Americas.
Badminton Pan Am celebrated its 50th anniversary with a memorable ceremony attended by presidents and representatives of its Member Associations. The evening was dedicated to reflecting on the Confederation’s history, recognizing those who have contributed to its growth, and reaffirming its commitment to strengthening badminton throughout the region.
The celebration welcomed distinguished international sports authorities, including Etienne Thobois, Deputy President of the Badminton World Federation (BWF); Armando Bruni, President of Badminton Pan Am; Vishu Tolan, BWF Vice President for Pan Am; and Casey Yoneyama, Global Marketing Director of YONEX Co., Members of the Badminton Pan Am Executive Committee, representatives of Badminton Europe, and Club de Regatas Lima also joined this special occasion.
A History Built Together
The ceremony began with a video presentation highlighting some of the most significant moments in Pan American badminton history, celebrating the achievements, athletes, and milestones that have shaped the sport’s development over the past five decades.
Armando Bruni then delivered the welcoming remarks, emphasizing the importance of this anniversary as an opportunity to recognize the collective efforts of Member Associations and the generations of individuals who have contributed to the growth of badminton across the Americas.
One of the evening’s special moments was a video message from BWF President Khunying Patama Leeswadtrakul, who joined the celebration by extending her congratulations on this important milestone.
The program continued with a second video highlighting the Confederation’s institutional history. Vishu Tolan then presented an overview of Badminton Pan Am’s growth, reflecting on its evolution and the initiatives that have strengthened badminton throughout the continent.
Etienne Thobois also addressed the attendees on behalf of BWF, joining the Pan American badminton family in celebrating this significant anniversary.
Honoring Those Who Made 50 Years Possible
One of the highlights of the evening was a special recognition ceremony honoring institutions and organizations that have played an essential role in the history and development of Badminton Pan Am.
The Confederation expressed its appreciation to BWF for its continued support of badminton development in the region, as well as to its five founding Member Associations: Canada, Jamaica, Mexico, Peru, and the United States, whose commitment laid the foundations of the organization half a century ago.
Special recognition was also given to Club de Regatas Lima for its contribution to badminton development and to YONEX for its valuable partnership and longstanding support of Pan American badminton.
These recognitions served as a heartfelt tribute to those who have helped build a legacy that extends across generations, borders, and sporting achievements.
Celebrating the Past, Building the Future
The ceremony continued with a special 50th anniversary toast led by Armando Bruni, inviting everyone to celebrate the Confederation’s first five decades and renew their shared commitment to the future of Pan American badminton.
The evening continued with a dinner that provided an opportunity to strengthen relationships among leaders, authorities, and representatives of the organizations in attendance. The celebration concluded with a final video showcasing Badminton Pan Am today, highlighting its progress and looking ahead to new challenges and opportunities.
More than an institutional celebration, this anniversary was a gathering of the Pan American badminton family, an opportunity to honor its roots, appreciate the power of collaboration, and recognize that every achievement has been made possible through the dedication of the people and organizations behind this shared journey.
After five decades, Badminton Pan Am continues to look toward the future with the same purpose that inspired its beginnings: uniting the Americas through badminton and creating new opportunities for future generations.
