Anakana Schofield

1935 was an interesting year for sports in Vancouver between boxing, golf & swimming, however the snippet that really charmed was this one:

“In badminton, Eileen Underhill, who had been four times B.C. mixed doubles champions (1928-31) did it again this year. ”

Source: The History of Metropolitan Vancouver (Chuck Davis)

We take our badminton seriously in this family, especially the males, both Vancouver-born males who both play badminton very well. Once I was playing “mess about” with my son at the community centre and this fella wobbled up. He was from Kitimat and used to play badminton quite seriously. He was an older, retired man who had since seriously done in his knee. He took my raquet and went a few rounds. You could really see the player he’d once been, in Kitimat way back. He was in his element, despite only have one reliable leg to land on. Badminton has that unifying effect on people. Except me. I am hopeless at it and prefer knitting while others play. At least it is not played inside an icerink. For that I am grateful.

Here’s a picture of Eileen Underhill.