Panama has seen a ‘considerable growth in triathlon over the past years’ due to the efforts of the UTP Unión de Triatlón de Panamá (UTP), the Panama Triathlon Union, on promoting the sport at many levels throughout the country.
The number of athletes participating in events has reportedly risen substantially; and consequently, an increased demand for more qualified triathlon coaches has developed along with it.
Foreseeing the development of triathlon in Panama and the demand for coaching, UTP and the Panamanian Olympic Committee have implemented an OS-ITU Level I Coaches Course granted by Olympic Solidarity (OS) in the country, which is based on an international assistance program for promoting sport in emerging countries.
An enthusiastic group of 14 coaches started a busy week (over a 5-day scheduled course). The engagement level and commitment of the attending coaches were seen to be some of the many highlights of the course.
Ivette Bourette, UTP Secretary General and Eladio Quintero, President of UTP, were reportedly very pleased with the course and the participation of the assigned coaches: “This course represents a landmark for triathlon in Panama,” they said in a joint statement.
“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 a 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.”
The ITU Level I Coaches Course is part of the ITU Development program focused on the development of triathlon in emerging countries.
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, where interaction is essential. The target is on an ‘overall athlete development process that can bring about positive effects and outcomes to triathlon in Panama.’
