Throughout the school year, Constable David Hamilton assisted teachers at Sir Winston Churchill Secondary School with a weekly after school badminton program. Every Monday, up to 40 kids would come out to play recreational badminton in a non-competitive format.

The program gave these kids the opportunity to learn a fun new sport under the guidance of a police officer and develop a positive peer network. To celebrate the kids’ success and commitment to the program, a final event was planned where participants played open badminton with peers, teachers and police officers teaming up in different ways as they rotated on four different courts. This approach to play ensured that all participants were fully engaged throughout the event. A pizza dinner was also provided to keep the celebration alive.

As the event progressed, students were sharing stories, laughing and having an all-around good time with the officers which is the foundation for building positive relationships between youth and police.