Victor Flood, age 71, is almost a fixture at the Bermuda Athletic Club (BAA)! Every Tuesday and Thursday evening he goes to BAA shortly before 7 p.m. to set up four badminton courts for evening play.

A bachelor, he is soft spoken, friendly, extremely dependable and always on time, usually early for everything.

He organises the evening games based on his assessment of players' skills and enjoys seeing all the players playing competitively and having fun.

His enthusiasm is contagious and he is a kind and patient teacher to newcomers. He acts like the dutiful father to his badminton children. If you left your racquet behind or don't own a racquet he is quick to loan you one.

If you leave something behind, he will collect it and return it to you on your next visit. If you are a girl who needs to catch the bus, he will run you up to the bus terminal in his car rather than have you walk alone.

Mr. Flood has a passion for badminton and started playing at the age of 13. He was always athletic and enjoyed football, table tennis, swimming, water polo and badminton.

"I attended Dellwood School and the principal arranged for me to take badminton lessons at the Youth Centre. I took to it right away! I had no idea that it would lead to traveling to England, China, Jamaica, Canada and the US,'' he explained.

Since his early beginnings he began playing competitively in Bermuda and other countries and has officiated in numerous international tournaments.

"I was never a champion but I was always in the running for the title and would be the runner up. About 1956 there were lots of English people who came to Bermuda, mostly teachers who were seasoned and skillful players. They knocked any hopes I had of winning championships but they elevated our standard of play tremendously,'' Mr. Flood said.

He was recognised in May of 1986 by the International Badminton Federation when they awarded him the Federation Meritorious Service Award, the highest honour in the badminton world.

Despite his age and two plastic knee replacements, Mr. Flood is still very active although he just basically teaches badminton now. He has a vigorous walking routine each day with a friend's dog named `Lucky'.

He said: "Every day I wake up about six a.m. and have a little breakfast followed by a morning walk. About 10 a.m. I walk Lucky about a mile.

" I return home and rest a little and walk to the cafeteria for lunch at The Bermuda Telephone company. I worked there for 46 years, retired in 1994. I walk around town and do little errands, see old friends and walk Lucky again about 5:30 p.m.

Mr. Flood recommends that young people develop a sport to keep them walking and moving as they age. He says badminton is more or less a game for life as long as your knees and eyes are okay.

"The important thing about getting old is to keep walking and moving. If you don't walk it is difficult to do things for yourself and to travel. Also eating healthy food like fruits and vegetables is important. I watch my sugar intake and keep that at a minimum.'' Every year Mr. Flood travels to England and goes to the Birmingham National Indoor Arena to watch tournament badminton. He has been doing this trip since 1943 and has many friends there.

"Despite the fine players in England it is the Chinese who are the world champions. They train very, hard and don't know when to stop and they are very, very, fit. I have observed them playing when it took 145 rallies before one point was won.'' Badminton was first played in England in 1873 and is named after the Duke of Beaufort who lived at `Badminton House in Great Badminton, a village in Gloucester.

Mr. Flood is a very thoughtful and considerate fellow.

One of his hobbies is sending cards to his friends on special occasions such as Christmas, birthdays and anniversaries. He sends over an average of 1000 cards a year all over the world.

Badminton is his passion: Victor Flood, age 71, keeps himself as fit as possible and travels to England every year to watch international badminton.

He is loved and respected by his many friends worldwide.