British Triathlon in association with the English Federation of Disability Sport (EFDS) has delivered the first Continuing Professional Development course for coaches wanting to learn more about coaching paratriathletes.
There were 16 coaches from the London region attending the fantastic venue of Hillingdon Cycle circuit all aiming to increase their awareness and knowledge of the various aspects of this fast growing and modern side of the sport.
The morning session delivered by the EFDS tutors aimed to increase awareness of disability sport before British Triathlon delivered a more practical session in the afternoon.
Penny Broomhead, British Triathlon’s Chief Classifier delivered a session highlighting the practical implications of each disability classification and highlighted to coaches how they can manage their sessions appropriately.
Broomhead was delighted with the success of the course: “This is the first time British Triathlon has delivered a course of this kind and the positive reaction we have seen from both participants and our delivery partners, EFDS has been fantastic.
“Triathlon coaches are very progressive and their desire to learn, and identify how to tailor sessions for paratriathletes can only help us increase participation within the sport.”
The group then went on to learn about the specific lifting techniques used in paratriathlons around the world, which increases safety and speed for many athletes in both a training and racing environment.
Coaches then received a session on wheelchair specific areas from Dave Cooke and a visual impairment session delivered jointly by Andy Bullock, Head Coach of BAD Tri and Bex Rimmington, British Triathlon Coach and ex-guide for British Cycling.
The feedback from the course was very positive and after a review British Triathlon will role this course out nationally across Great Britain in 2011.
