The two-day presentation hosted by St Vincent and the Grenadines at Arnos Vale and opened by the Minister for Sport in St Vincent, Frederick Stephenson, was attended by delegates from across the region.

he CCCP Course was a real eye opener according to Cleave Farrington and as he commented “One thing I noticed is the communication aspects that seem to be missing here in the BVI."

The two-day presentation hosted by St Vincent and the Grenadines at Arnos Vale and opened by the Minister for Sport in St Vincent, Frederick Stephenson, was attended by delegates from across the region including Antigua and Barbuda, the Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, the Cayman Islands, Dominica, Grenada, Guadeloupe, St Kitts and Nevis and the Turks and Caicos. All of whom shared a common vision of improving sporting skills across the region, not only in enhancing results, but also in deliverance of technical training and the understanding of improving performance.

Dave Farmer, CANOC’s Regional Co-coordinator, clearly stated the programme is aimed at the Grassroots level, but there is a need for all coaches to attend the course that will be delivered by Farrington in his role as Territorial Coordinator.

“It is aimed at all sports and is a general course, so that when the individual finishes the introduction they have an overview of the educational principles that apply to all sports and coaching situations,” said Farmer.

Areas covered include how athletes learn, first aid, training, event planning, safety, fitness and communication.

The course was a real eye opener, according to Farrington and as he commented, “One thing I noticed is the communication aspects that seem to be missing here in the BVI.”

He also said that, “Dieting and nutrition was fascinating, especially as to how athletes prepare before competition and regenerate after competing. Sport and drugs is a big thing, but sport for persons with disabilities was the area that really stood out. As an Olympic Committee we need to do more to embrace those with disabilities.”

The “Training of Trainers” programme involves 20 contact hours that can be spread across weekends and includes a three-month assessment period, but whilst it is aimed at grassroots levels is also appropriate to all levels of recognized coaches.

“Once the person has become certified, they are much more capable of taking the next step towards coaching courses in their specific sports disciplines,” stated Farmer.

The course is appropriate to all levels of existing coaches too as Farmer explained, “A coach should never stop learning. When the “qualified“ coach starts his sessions he might explain things at a different level to what the athlete is accustomed too. If he has taken the course he will have a greater understanding of communication and how to deliver his philosophy.”

Whilst the hard work of ensuring the programme has yet to begin here in the territory, Farrington explained that once the manuals have been received it will be a multi faceted programme involving Government, schools, coaches and parents to ensure implementation.

The BVIOC is waiting for a meeting with the Minister responsible for Sport, the Honourable Myron Walwyn, but once that happens Farrington sees no further hurdles to improving performance of both athletes and coaches within the Territory.