Sport Ministry facilitates upskilling of local coaches

The Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport through the non-profit group, Allyuh Sports Image, on Friday hosted a Strength and Conditioning seminar for coaches of the 12 core disciplines at the National Cultural Centre.

Coaches attached to the National Sports Commission (NSC) were part of an informational exercise executed by the group. The focus on this occasion was Strength and Condition for Elite Athletes.

American Shawn Benson, who specialises in that area, explained it is a vital component in how to get athletes performing at optimum levels consistently.

According to Benson, during a visit to a training session with some Track and Field athletes, he noticed they lacked the equipment to do the needed strength work, but the talent was very evident.

The seasoned fitness coach further emphasised that through good conditioning, athletes can be able to achieve more and it acts as a cushion to reduce injury.

Meanwhile, Dr. Antony Bowen, an Executive Director of Allyuh Sports Image, indicated that another critical factor is to ensure they support athletes who may not have the ability to access the necessary gear, and for athletes who move to the United States of America, they assist in their transition.

Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport, Charles Ramson Jr., who was present at the session, explained it is important to have the skills of the coaches enhanced to give Guyana a better chance of producing more elite athletes.

The coaching will form a key component to the Elite Training Programme of the Sport Academy, which is built on three pillars: Nursery, Tournaments and Elite Training.