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Students ask Buffalo board to add badminton as an official sport, present petition with 100+ signatures
Summary
Multiple students and a senior representing several schools urged the board to approve badminton as a district sport, citing accessibility, low cost and strong student interest; speakers said they have a petition with more than 100 signatures.
Several Buffalo Public Schools students urged the board to add badminton as an official sport at the district level during public comment on April 9.
A sophomore from City Honors described badminton as an accessible sport that "opens the door for students who have never felt comfortable or interested in traditional sports that our district provides." He said badminton can be played indoors during long Buffalo winters, requires minimal equipment and accommodates students with a wide range of athletic ability.
A second student, representing the Badminton Club at City Honors, said the school had gathered more than 100 petition signatures in support of making badminton an official district sport and noted that initial interest meetings drew large turnouts. "At our first meeting, we had over 50 people show up to play," said Anya Bridal, a senior at Frederick Law Olmsted.
Nut graf: Students emphasized inclusivity and low cost as reasons the district should support badminton as a sport or club offering. They requested the district consider permitting interschool competition and using gym space for practices and matches.
Board response and next steps: Board members acknowledged the student voices and said the board would consider the request; no formal action or timetable for a decision was provided on April 9.
Ending: Students said they would continue to gather support and provide details about costs, equipment needs and scheduling to district athletics staff.
