Established in 1960 at Offutt Air Force Base, the Offutt Top Flight Badminton Club has been dedicated to promoting the lifelong sport of badminton. Our founder, Chief Warrant Officer Ray Scott, organized the club while serving in the Air Force.
Throughout our history, Top Flight has proudly hosted three USA Badminton national tournaments and one international tournament. For 40 years, we held the renowned Ray Scott Open, a tournament that attracted participants from Nebraska, Iowa, Oklahoma, Kansas, Indiana, Illinois, Ohio, Kentucky, Missouri, Michigan, Wisconsin, Texas, Tennessee, and occasionally from states as far away as California and Massachusetts. The only cancellation occurred in 2001 due to the September 9/11 contingencies. In 2002, we held the Ray Scott Memorial tournament in honor of our namesake, who passed away in December 2001 at the age of 85.
Our commitment to the badminton community extends beyond tournaments. Top Flight members actively engage in giving clinics and demonstrations at local schools and the Boys and Girls Club of the Midlands. We have proudly represented badminton at various Nebraska Health, Physical Education, Recreation & Dance conventions. Additionally, we played a pivotal role in establishing the Nebraska State Badminton Association and were instrumental in introducing badminton to the Cornhusker State Games in 1988. Since then, we have organized and conducted badminton in the State Games every year. Furthermore, we have contributed to the preparation of badminton at the Nebraska Senior Games in August and continue to participate in events hosted by other clubs across the Midwest.
What is Badminton?
Recognized as the fastest racket sport, badminton is a thrilling game played in singles or doubles. With its popularity spanning the globe, particularly in Asia and parts of Europe, badminton requires a combination of speed, agility, stamina, precision, and delicate touch.
Join us at the Top Flight Badminton Club and experience the excitement of this dynamic sport. Whether you’re a seasoned player or new to the game, our vibrant community welcomes players of all skill levels. Let’s soar to new heights on the badminton court together!
Online Stories and History
Love is in the Air – Omaha World Herald
Bob Ericson Named Sports Director of the Year 2011
Badminton Central Article 2008