SPOKANE, Wash. — The Badminton World Federation (BWF) Junior Championships began Monday at The Podium in downtown Spokane. This is the first time the junior world championship has been held in the U.S.
This is also the first time Spokane has hosted a world sporting event.
Athletes from 40 countries competed Monday. Players range between the ages of 12 and roughly 14 years old.
“It’s like an honor to represent my home country in my home country,” Ella Lin, a 16-year-old from California representing Team U.S.A. said.
Spokane Sports told NonStop Local they expect about a 1,000 visiting spectators for the tournament.
“It’s over a $5 million economic impact… Staying in our hotels, spending money at retail, restaurants… infusing that local economic impact with new dollars. It’s a great opportunity for Spokane people to come and see a sport that’s not traditionally played,” Cherie Gwinn, the Senior Director of Sports for Spokane Sports, said.
The tournament will run until Oct. 8.
