FINA latest Clinics for Officials in Africa

In the last trimester, FINA held five Clinics for Coaches and Officials in Africa.

Kigali, Rwanda, and Banjul, Gambia, hosted courses for beginners in April, while Mauritius’ clinic was tailored towards more advanced officials.

The ten-day long course in Kigali was reported to be highly productive as a total of 22 coaches and 26 Physical Education (PE) teachers followed it. One of the numerous positive aspects that were underlined in the participants’ feedback was the social side of the course.

“Before attending the course, I was intimidated to talk in public. It was a unique opportunity for us to meet swimming people from all over the country” noted one of them.

The Gambia Swimming & Aquatic Sports Association, which hosted an Open Water School for almost 30 Officials, reported that the course was very popular among the students of the region and that it was a truly justifiable exercise which introduced the FINA Listed Members to the Rule Changes.

Beira in Mozambique and Mahe, Seychelles completed the list of African cities which played hosts to FINA’s most recent development initiatives in May.

32 aspiring Swimming Officials responded present in Beira for a five-day training in Portuguese under Mr Tiago Alexandre’s instructions. The programme reviewed FINA as an organisation and the competition management in details, such as the timing of an event, the officials’ duties, strokes and many more crucial information.

Students showed interest throughout the course and there were several moments of discussion between the students and organisers - ideas and comparisons with the reality of their competitions.

FINA is closely working with its National Member Federations based on the African continent and has a number of projects, including new training facility and camps, undergo.