Gerald Phiri en route to a 10.06 victory at the Texas Relays, a Zambian record (© Kirby Lee)
A new programme has been launched in Zambia that aims at developing coaching skills and hence enhancing the services provided to the national Athletics community.
Coaches and Physical Education teachers provide an essential platform for the development of a sport. Their direct link to potential young athletes represents a strategic constituent for governing bodies who strive to make Athletics the nationwide number one participatory sport among children.
Well in line with the spirit of the Athletics World Plan, the Zambia Amateur Athletics Association (ZAAA), in partnership with the Zambian Olympic Committee and the German Olympic Sports Board, launched a calendar of up-skilling opportunities for coaches. Starting this month, the ZAAA planned a number of seminars tailored for Zambian coaches and Physical Education teachers throughout the country.
In addition to activities directed at coaches and teachers, the partnership also comprises of advice on talent-scouting and organisation of sports structures. All in all, it is a strong move forward enhancing Zambia’s performance in major international competitions and, more importantly, increasing the number of children properly practicing Athletics in the country.
This programme displays the ZAAA’s drive to enhance the knowledge of national coaches within the Zambian school community. Moreover, it brings the local Athletics community together to think and develop the sport in its various levels.
These forthcoming events will likely lead to an increase in the number of appropriately trained coaches in clubs and Physical Education teachers in schools building a solid foundation for Athletics’ continuous development within Zambia.
How does your organisation work to increase the level of Athletics’ knowledge and skills within the school community? If you want to share some of your own experiences please contact us at worldplan@iaaf.org with a short summary, and a member of our editorial team will contact you. Together, we can share in the spirit of the Athletics’ World Plan.