Dr. Acheampong Wins 2024 AIESEP Scholar Award
Dr. Ernest Yeboah Acheampong, a senior lecturer at the Department of Health, Physical Education, Recreation, and Sports (HPERS) of the University of Education, Winneba (UEW), has been honoured as one of the recipients of the prestigious 2024 AIESEP Developing Country Scholar Award. This accolade underscores Dr. Acheampong’s significant contributions to sports education and community well-being, particularly through his innovative research on AirBadminton.
Dr. Acheampong’s study, titled “Teaching AirBadminton in Low-income Communities: Promotion of Well-being, Health and Preventing Children’s Play at Shore,” addresses critical social issues in Eguaboano, a suburb of Winneba. His research highlights how AirBadminton, an outdoor game, can serve as a tool for promoting physical health, enhancing well-being, and deterring children from playing in potentially hazardous areas such as the shore.
Utilising a mixed-methods approach, Dr. Acheampong engaged both children and parents as respondents. The findings were compelling: the introduction of AirBadminton not only promoted a healthier lifestyle but also revealed latent talents among the children, paving the way for potential future athletes. Additionally, the structured environment of the game reduced the children’s frequent visits to the shore, thereby decreasing the risks associated with such activities. The initiative also led to improved school attendance and greater community engagement, as children were drawn to the safe and structured play environment.
Dr. Acheampong presented his findings at the AIESEP conference held at the University of Jyvaskyla in Finland from 14th to 17th May, 2024. His presentation highlighted the dual benefits of AirBadminton as both a recreational activity and a developmental tool. The data generated from his study provides valuable insights for policymakers, including the Ghana Education Service, local authorities, the Badminton Association of Ghana, and various Non-Governmental Organisations. These stakeholders can now consider incorporating AirBadminton into broader strategies aimed at improving social, political, and economic conditions in deprived areas.
The AIESEP Developing Country Scholar Award is designed to support scholars from developing countries, enabling them to participate in the AIESEP conference. This award not only recognises their academic contributions but also nurtures stronger connections between AIESEP and developing nations. This year, alongside Dr. Acheampong, Daniel Gaita Njenga of Kenya was also honoured with this award, further emphasising the global reach and impact of this recognition.
Dr. Acheampong’s achievement is a testament to his dedication and innovative approach to leveraging sports to address community challenges. His work exemplifies the profound impact that targeted recreational activities can have on promoting health, unearthing talent, and fostering safer, more engaged communities. As his research continues to inspire and inform, Dr. Acheampong stands as a beacon of scholarly excellence and community development.
