February 5, 2024
2 minutes reading time
World Sailing hosts first Level 1 Technical Course for Coaches in Libya
World Sailing has continued to break new ground and grow the sport in Africa with the first ever Level 1 Technical Course for Coaches to be held in Libya with support from the International Olympic Committee’s (IOC) Olympic Solidarity fund and the Libyan Olympic Committee.
Held from 19-25 January 2024, 12 trainees from across the country convened at the Al-Bahar Maritime Club in the city of Benghazi, located on the Gulf of Sidra in the Mediterranean Sea, to learn effective techniques for teaching sailing to children and adults from experienced International Coach Developer Mohamed Gamal from Egypt.
Mohamed said, “It’s the first time in Libya for a Technical Course Level 1. World Sailing was very happy to cooperate with the Libyan Federation for Sailing and Marine Sports and send coach developers to Libya. The participants have learned new concepts about coaching sailing, especially at a ‘learn to sail’ level, how to act as an instructor, how to deal with kids and adults, and how to increase the number of sailors in Libya – especially girls – as well as introducing the sailors to World Sailing and explaining how they can benefit from being part of the international sailing community.“
The delivery of World Sailing’s Technical Course for Coaches creates new opportunities within the sport and aims to increase participation in line with Libya’s restoration plan, supported by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).
Sport is seen as a key component to enhance social inclusion and challenge gender stereotypes, as well as fostering respect, developing tolerance and uniting people across communities.
Abdel Moneim bin Harez, President of the Libyan Federation for Sailing and Marine Sports, added, “It was wonderful and achieved what was required. Everyone benefited from Captain Mohamed. We thank you for the cooperation and we hope for a course in racing and judging soon.”
Benghazi has been at the forefront of this positive change, with the first rugby field constructed at the University in 2018, the renovation of an indoor handball court and restoration of the Benghazi Corniche all providing valuable public facilities.
The development of a thriving sailing network in Libya has the potential to energise communities all along coastline, providing employment opportunities, supporting physical and mental health, and promoting social cohesion.
(1/1) Another one of our Technical Courses for Coaches took place in Libya 🇱🇾 led by Coach Developer Mohamed Gamal from Egypt! pic.twitter.com/Gw0QxYxDOI
— World Sailing 🌎⛵️ (@worldsailing) January 31, 2024