The International Canoe Federation’s Central American development project that started in Guatemala in 2023 and aimed at enhancing the skillset of coaches in the region has successfully concluded.
In partnership with the Canoe Federation of Guatemala, an expert visit was conducted to some National Federations in the region as part of the initial phase to evaluate and propose projects.
The latest phase saw the ICF deliver Canoe Sprint Level 2 coaching courses from March 3 to 9 to help develop sprint and Paracanoe coaches in the region.
The course was led by ICF expert Isaac Villa Santos from Spain with support from local sports facilities.
A total of 19 coaches from Puerto Rico, Nicaragua, Mexico, and Guatemala took part and received certificates after completing the latest course at the Rowing and Canoeing Racecourse in Amaltitlán Lake.
In the course that recently concluded, coaches presented their training plan for the year to discuss before receiving inputs from Santos on how to improve their athletes' preparation and performance.
All participants were tested about their newly- acquired knowledge through a final exam on topics such as sports kinematics, techniques, strokes, training frequency and intensity and more.
Santos and ICF Vice President Cecilia Farias ran the programme in January 2024 that saw coaches and technical officials from Guatemala, Belize, Mexico and Honduras taking part.
The National Federations and the respective National Olympic Committees are working together to ensure they get support from Olympic Solidarity to implement the projects.
“This project started two years ago to help the National Federations in the Central American region,” Dr Farias said.
“To see so many coaches come out with flying colours is fantastic.
“The right education and guidance can go a long way in developing our sport across the world and we are happy that our latest project in Guatemala has been a success.”
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