BARRY Dow has been a mainstay of Swan Hill’s tennis and badminton events for decades and believes the sports hold no limits for committed juniors. ANDREW ROGERS reports.
BARRY Dow was seven when he took up tennis and hopes he’ll be at least 77 before he gives it away.
Dow has been a regular on Swan Hill’s lawn tennis courts for a touch over three decades and has played plenty of badminton in that time as well.
And for juniors, the sports offer a viable alternative to higher-profile options around the region, Dow said.
“There is still a nucleus of good juniors coming up [in badminton]. It’s just so important that juniors get involved in a sport like this, you can get through to the top level with the support of a community club like Swan Hill Badminton Association,” he said.
And if anyone was to doubt the veracity of his claims, Dow said arguably Australia’s best badminton player grew up playing locally before taking on the world at the 2008 Beijing and 2012 London Olympics, among other international events.
“We’ve got an exceptional club that’s seen the likes of Ross Smith go through,” Dow said.
“It’s so important these days that we foster the growth of the club and try to maintain those young kids playing.
“Ross has gone on to be one of the best in Australia which is an exceptional effort, but it took the support of his family and a strong local club to do it — that’s so vital.”
Dow returned to badminton after a break some five years ago having taken up the sport about 20 or 30 years ago, and this year filled in on the Saturday of the veterans’ tournament in Swan Hill.
But having continued with tennis didn’t necessarily make it easier coming back to badminton.
“[The skills are] not really [transferrable]. They’re very different,” he said.
“Tennis, that’s been my main sport but I play badminton in the winter and I really enjoy it, it’s an opportunity to keep fit during winter.”
But while keeping fit might be a primary motivation, Dow said not to underestimate the level of aptitude required.
“Look, I think it requires a lot of skill and with the veterans’ tournament it just shows that it’s a sport that you can play as you get older,” he said.
“It takes a lot of skill to be good at it.”
Dow said the social aspect of the sport was also enjoyable.
“It’s great to meet new people, the social side of any sport is great. It’s probably the most important aspect just to get out and get involved,” he said.
While both sports have declined in numbers, Dow said those involved were committed to spreading the message among juniors for their respective sports.
“[Badminton] has certainly spent a lot of time fostering juniors and tennis is a similar situation,” he said.
