President of the BVIOC, Mr. Ephraim Penn, congratulated more than 30 newly certified Coaches and told them that this would be just the start in furthering their education and knowledge. Photo credit: Charlie E. Jackson/VINO

Paul Hewlett, on behalf of the Minister Responsible for Sport Hon. Myron V. Walwyn, commented on how pleased he was to see so many different sports represented by people who obviously have a love for sport. Photo credit: Charlie E. Jackson/ VINO

On her way to the event, Glorea Gibson had asked some young sports women what they thought of coaches; Caring, observant, assertive, consistent and humble were some of the words they chose. Photo: Charlie E. Jackson/VINO

Over 30 Coaches were Certified under the BVIOC's CCCP Programme and Sports Administration Course. Photo credit: Charlie E. Jackson/VINO

The two courses, one in coaching and one in sport administration were delivered by Mr Dave Farmer, Director of the Barbados Olympic Academy, with assistance from Cleave Farrington, Executive Director of the BVI Olympic Committee, Lindsey Nielsen and various presenters.

The Coaching Course, the regional “Introduction to Coaching”, a sport General Coaching Course that is conducted via the auspices of the Caribbean Association of National Olympic Committee, covered the educational principles involved in coaching a sport, Planning, Safety, Developing Skills, Event Management and Physical Preparation.

The second course was offered under the “flag” of Olympic Solidarity and named the “Basic Sport Administration for National Federations.” This course covered the issues and topics related to the administration and management of a national Federation inparting knowledge and relevant information under such subjects as The Olympic Movement, Strategic Planning, Financial Management and Budgeting, Hosting a major sporting event, Developing elite athletes and elite coaches and Sports Medicine/Doping Control.

Following powerful renditions of the National Anthem by Sasha Wintz, Garwin James and Andrews McKay and the Territorial Song by Sylvanna Charles, Ephraim Penn welcomed the successful newly qualified Coaches. “The success of our Athletes and teams in regional and International competition has led to a need to better prepare our Coaches and Federations as well as provide higher levels of education for those wishing to be coaches or volunteer their services to Sports development.”

He also informed the gathering that this was just the start of such programmes and that there will be more to come.

Mr. Paul Hewlett, speaking on behalf of the Honourable Myron Walwyn, Minister Responsible for Sport, commented on how pleased he was to see such a wide range of Sports represented and such a large group of individuals who obviously have a love of sports “we want to move our coaches up to the next level which is vital to develop our sports.” He said “It will also mean a lot to our youngsters to know that there are people who now know more than they did before and will be better positioned to help them reach their goals.”

Hewlett also made mention that the Department of youth Affairs and Sports had been thinking of doing a Coaching Course because the need had been recognized. “Games are organized, officials are contacted, but what tends to full short is someone to coach the teams, who has the right knowledge, so it’s very encouraging to see the numbers here today.”

Glorea L. Gibson then made some remarks on behalf of the attendees “for 10 days we have left our families, our homes, had our routines disrupted , completed group work, became keepers of strangers and if that wasn’t enough we had homework too! However we thank the BVIOC for putting the course on and providing us with the information we need to help the athletes reach their goals.”

She also described the importance of what they had learnt and implored her fellow students not to let down the sportswomen and men down “On my way here today I asked some young sports women what they thought about coaches – caring, observant, assertive, consistent and humble were some of the words they chose, so fellow coaches let’s not let them down!”

Full list of recipients: Alfred Reid, Anreco Ramsey, Burt Dorsette, Carol Mitchel, Chantel Scatliffe, Chris Ghiorse, Damion Brown, Dawn Crabbe-Herbert, Delva Thomas, Derry Maduro-Fahie, Donovan Staples, Eric Matthias, Erwin Telemaque, Eustace Freeman, Gloria Gibson, Jeanna James, Joseph Valrose, Jude Noel, Karl Scatliffe, Lester Hamer, Loreen Challenger, Mario Pini, Melissa Farrington, Morris Mark, Omar Jones, Norval Young, Odean Thompson, Philomena Robertson, Ralston Henry, Samantha John, Stephan Payne, Steve Augustine, Thomas Albert, Tonya Hodge and Winston Potter