NAAZ to host high profile course

Phineas Mukwazo Sports Editor
THE National Athletics Association of Zimbabwe will stage the high profile International Associations of Athletics Federations Coaches Education and Certification Systems Level 1 Course from 24 July to 2 August in Harare. Confirming the development from his base in Harare on Friday, NAAZ president Tendai Tagara said because of the limited number of participants as per the IAAF requirements for such a course the association’s affiliates from the country’s 10 provinces would be required to send only two participants.

“We have limitations as we are allowed to train only 20 coaches. Only those whose activity is athletics are in good standing with the sport, have a Zimbabwe National Level One or Two qualification, and are nominated by their provinces will be eligible,’’ said Tagara.

The association applied to the IAAF for consideration to host the CECS Level 1 Course, a request which was granted.
However, participation will come at a cost as there will be a registration fee of $300 for the 10-day course.

Usually the course targets teachers and talent scouts, with participants having a minimum age of 18 and an aptitude for athletics.
At the completion of the course the participants will be expected to run at least two basic courses in their constituencies, spearhead development of the youths by staging Kids’ Athletics, to prepare and motivate the youths (13 to 15 years) to continue with the sport.

The activity areas for the course include: schools, clubs, member federations and education ministries. It is also a requirement that those armed with the Level 1 qualification acquire the CESCS Level lecturer qualifications organised by the IAAF or member federations.

The objectives of the CESC Level 1 Course include developing the skills to organise Kids Athletics: Preparation and Competition and orientation to athletics for the 13 to 15-year age grouping.