Powerlifting coaching course concludes in Japan

A series of high performance coaching courses in Para powerlifting wrapped up in Kitakyushu, Japan, last week (23-25 June), with participants leaving with new perspectives on the best ways to train their athletes.

A total of 49 coaches from 23 countries participated in four separate courses in 2016, including three at the IPC Powerlifting World Cups in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; Dubai, United Arab Emirates and Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

The ‘Elite Para Powerlifting Coaching Course’ was supported by the development arm of the International Paralympic Committee, the Agitos Foundation, as well as their partner The Foundation for Global Sports Development.

It follows on from the first level of coaching courses carried out in 2015 which acted as an introduction to coaching the sport.

The course proved very beneficial for many coaches whose athletes were trying to improve their place in the rankings for the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games.

Cuba’s Ramon Martinez is training two athletes on their road to Rio 2016.

“I was impressed with the organisation and structure of the course - with all the work the Agitos Foundation is doing around the world and the harmony that the environment gave us to share our experiences,” Martinez said. “I’m really motivated to share what I have learned from IPC Powerlifting when I get back to Cuba.”

Tracey Rice is working to develop Para powerlifting further in Canada ahead of the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games.

“I am thankful for the opportunity to learn about IPC Powerlifting within a diverse group setting, drawing on the expertise of many coaches from around the world,” Rice said. “The coaching education and support has taught me about the rules, regulations and technical components of the sport. I aim to use this training to continue to develop and improve powerlifting athletes from Canada and increase our presence at IPC Powerlifting sanctioned events.”

Jon Amos, Chairperson of the IPC Powerlifting Sport Technical Committee who conducted the training, said: “With the help and support of the Agitos Foundation, IPC Powerlifting has been able to respond to the demand from coaches to provide coaching courses and learning opportunities.

“The coaches’ feedback speaks for itself. What has been most amazing is how many long standing international level coaches also took up the opportunity to attend the courses.

“They were able to further their own learning and challenge their own beliefs on coaching in this field through debate, discussion and sharing their own experiences, which some had said they had never done with other coaches, despite being involved for 10 years more.

“We now look forward to seeing greater development in our sport and more informed, safer coaching and tactical play on the international stage in years to come.”

Kitakyushu was recently announced as the host of the 2018 IPC Powerlifting Asian Open Championships, and the coaching courses will act as a legacy for the Championships.