ISAF level two coaching course |12 May 2018

Sailing coaches reach level two

A group of sailing coaches from Seychelles, Mauritius, Tanzania and Maldives are now level two competent after completing a week-long coaching course conducted by the International Sailing Federation’s training delivery manager Rob Holden.

The training was organised by the Seychelles Olympic and Commonwealth Games Association (Socga) in collaboration with the National Sports Council.

The new coaches received their certificates yesterday afternoon during a special ceremony at the Socga head office at Stad Linite, Roche Caïman.

Socga president Antonio Gopal along with Mr Holden handed the delegates with their certificates in the presence of the association’s secretary general Alain Alcindor who thanked Mr Holden for his effort in building a better sailing recognition among each of the officials.

Mr Holden said apart from setting up the officials in many ways, not just for training purposes, the course will also help them to get more people into training.

All the coaches from the four countries noted that the course is a massive boost to their knowledge of sailing.

Maldivian coach Hussain Aamil said the course went very well and he benefited a lot.

“After this course, the future of sailing in Maldives will be a step up, while I have gained a lot of confidence, learned a lot and I will leave here with a lot of new ideas,” he added.

On his part, Tanzanian coach Mwambao Helef said the course will benefit both him and his country.

“I think that sailing could be a bit bigger in Africa, so it is good that coaches get this level of course to bring up the standard of sailing,” he added.

Coach Helef further added that putting the experience gained into action will be crucial, since his objective is to get to the World Championship of Sailing.

Representing Mauritius, a very thankful coach Mike Lafneur said Socga did a good job in providing the coaches with support, while Mr Holden did a good job sharing his knowledge.

“It’s good to get coaches who can develop this discipline and I hope that in the future we get more coaches in the African region so that we can develop sailing and provide for the new generation,” he noted.

Seychelles Yachting Association executive committee member Lucy Athanasius gave the final remarks and thanked all those present for their continuous support for sailing, before presenting Mr Holden with a token of appreciation for his work in sharing his knowledge with other sailing lovers.

During the five days, the delegates divided their time between theory and practical sessions.

R. R.