Khunying Patama honoured as Gorée ambassador

Khunying Patama Leeswadtrakul, a member of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and president of the Badminton World Federation (BWF), has been honoured as an “Ambassador Pilgrim of Gorée” during a visit to the historic island in Senegal on Nov 6.

The distinction was conferred by the Municipality of Gorée during the 4th Summer Youth Olympic Games, Dakar 2026, where she took part in FestiBad, a BWF legacy initiative supported by IOC Olympic Solidarity to promote badminton and develop leadership skills among young people.

During the visit, Khunying Patama toured the House of Slaves and signed its visitors' book. She expressed gratitude for the honour, highlighting the importance of learning from history, respecting human dignity and working together towards a better future.

She also visited Jeunes Filles de Mariama Bâ School on the island under the Shuttle Time Youth Leadership programme, where she met students, teachers and volunteers. She encouraged the students to pursue their dreams, build confidence and recognise their potential to become future leaders.

Khunying Patama stressed that sport teaches valuable lessons in resilience, teamwork, respect and self-belief. She said the lasting legacy of FestiBad and Dakar 2026 should extend beyond competition by equipping young people, particularly girls, with the skills and confidence to strengthen their communities and inspire future generations.

FestiBad is a partnership between the BWF, IOC Olympic Solidarity and local organisations in Senegal to expand access to badminton through schools and communities. The Dakar 2026 Summer Youth Olympic Games, running from Oct 31 to Nov 13, mark the first Olympic sporting event to be held on African soil.