Panama has seen a considerable growth in triathlon over the past years due to the great efforts of the Panamanian Panama Triathlon Union (UTP), on promoting the sport at many levels throughout the country. Therefore, the number of athletes participating in events has risen substantially and consequently, while an increased demand for more qualified triathlon coaches has developed along with it. 

Foreseeing the development of triathlon and taking into consideration this demand, UTP and the Panamanian Olympic Committee (COP) made possible the implementation of an OS-ITU Level I Coaches Course granted by Olympic Solidarity (OS) in the country, which is based on the organization’s international assistance program for emerging countries towards the promotion of sport development. Due to the great expectation of this project, UTP worked very hard to bring the course to Panama City. 

The assigned coaches to participate in the course were very excited for this great opportunity to enhance their overall knowledge on triathlon and all its correlated coaching prerequisites. The enthusiastic group of 14 coaches started the very busy week (5-day schedule course) with many fruitful discussions and kept involved this way throughout those theory and practice sessions. The engagement level and commitment of the attending coaches were one of the highlights of the course. 

Mrs. Ivette Bourette, Secretary General and Eladio Quintero, the President of the UTP were very pleased with the course and the participation of the assigned coaches: “This course represents a landmark for triathlon in Panama. We have been working with the development of triathlon and this project for coaches education arrives here in due time. We are very happy for the whole efforts we made together with our Olympic Committee and ITU, and now all of us are providing Panamanian coaches an unique opportunity to get a lot of specific knowledge and understanding of triathlon which will surely be translated into applying it to the development of beginner and youth athletes.” 

Facilitators assigned for the course, Claudia Beristain (MEX) and Rodrigo Milazzo (BRA), pointed out that the new implemented ITU coaches education system requires more from participants not only during, but also before and after the course – the ITU Coaches Education Program allows a more extended learning experience providing a distinctive atmosphere for presential sessions, where interaction is…

Fonte: triathlon.org – Continua a Leggere