A battledore and shuttlecock. Two pieces of sporting equipment more commonly known as a racket and a birdie. These are also two pieces of sporting equipment that helped shape the life of Jack L. MacDonald.

MacDonald was first introduced to the sport at the Winnipeg Badminton Club in 1948. One year later, still playing, he got his first taste as a badminton administrator. He served as club treasurer from 1949 to 1952. A series of knee injuries during that same period forced him to retire as a player, and that turned out to be a blessing in disguise for badminton in Manitoba. With his competitive playing days behind him, MacDonald became president of both the Winnipeg Badminton Club and the Manitoba Badminton Association in 1952. He would hold the provincial position for the next ten years. For six of those years, he was also the provincial junior chairman, organizing tournaments and getting Manitoba high schools involved in badminton programs.

MacDonald broke onto the national scene in 1952, as chairman of the Canadian National Championships held in Winnipeg. Two years later, he was the Vice-president of the Canadian Badminton Association. From 1955-1957, MacDonald took on the role of CBA president (a position he held again from 1972-1974, and then again from 1984-1985). He was a national level umpire for over 25 years.

MacDonald’s list of accomplishments in local, provincial and national badminton spans 50 years. His badminton goals were to increase the level of competition and the level of participation in Manitoba. Thanks to the support of his wife Doreen, daughters Barbara and Janice, and sons Terry and Bruce, Jack MacDonald has managed to achieve both goals and more.

In recognition of the countless hours he’s put into the sport, Jack MacDonald was honoured as the 1992 International Badminton Federation Meritorious Service Award winner.