PASO DEL SAPO, Chubut – In a small community where determination triumphs over adversity, the town of Paso del Sapo is making a compelling case to be named the Provincial Capital of Badminton. The burgeoning badminton scene in this Patagonian locale is a testament to the power of grassroots sports development and the unwavering commitment of local leaders and athletes.
The push for recognition comes as Paso del Sapo prepares to send a full team – both men and women – to represent Chubut Province at the upcoming Juegos de la Integración Patagónica (Patagonian Integration Games) in Ushuaia, Tierra del Fuego, in late April. Remarkably, every member of the Chubut team hails from this single, small town, a feat that underscores the depth of talent cultivated within its community.
Badminton’s presence in the region has evolved over time. Before the pandemic, the city of Esquel, with the support of the Club Dumos and figures like Rubén Fernández and Pablo Bonfanti, served as a regional hub for the sport. Still, a lack of adequate infrastructure in Esquel ultimately hindered its growth, leading to a decline in badminton activity. But the sport didn’t disappear from Chubut Province. it found a new home in Paso del Sapo.
The driving force behind Paso del Sapo’s badminton success is Denis Krieger, whose dedication to the sport and the community is widely recognized. Despite the challenges of operating in a remote location with limited resources, Krieger has fostered a thriving badminton program that is inspiring a new generation of athletes.
The local gymnasium has become the focal point of this activity, recently hosting the provincial qualifier for the Juegos de la Integración Patagónica. Organized by Chubut Deportes, the qualifier drew approximately 25 athletes, both male and female, who competed over two days and 18 hours of training to earn their spots on the provincial team.
Julieta Díaz and Sharon Martínez will represent Paso del Sapo in the women’s competition, with Díaz having previously achieved success as a finalist at the Juegos Nacionales Evita (Evita National Games). Asael Krieger has secured his place on the men’s team, and the coaching staff is finalizing the selection of his teammate, who is similarly expected to be from Paso del Sapo.
Chubut Deportes has provided crucial support to the program, donating five racquets and four shuttlecocks to aid in the development of the sport within the community. Currently, around 25 children and teenagers, aged 7 to 18, participate in badminton training sessions led by Professor Krieger. These sessions capture place on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM at the communal gymnasium, utilizing five dedicated badminton courts.
Paso del Sapo is a small town with a total population of approximately 600 people, including those in rural areas. Of that population, around 120 students attend the local Escuela UEM (School). The impact of the badminton program extends beyond the court, providing a positive and engaging activity for a significant portion of the town’s youth.
Recognizing the remarkable achievements of Paso del Sapo’s badminton community, a call has been made to the Chubut Province Legislature to consider a bill that would officially designate the town as the Provincial Capital of Badminton. This designation would not only acknowledge the town’s dedication to the sport but also provide further support and resources for its continued growth.
The story of Paso del Sapo is a powerful reminder that success is not limited by geography or circumstance. It’s a testament to the passion, perseverance, and community spirit that can transform a small town into a breeding ground for athletic talent. The upcoming Juegos de la Integración Patagónica will provide a platform for Paso del Sapo’s athletes to showcase their skills and further solidify their claim as a badminton stronghold in Chubut Province.
The team from Paso del Sapo will travel to Ushuaia, Tierra del Fuego, from April 20th to 24th to compete in the Juegos de la Integración Patagónica. Fans can follow updates on the Chubut Deportes website and social media channels for results and news from the competition.
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