The first Olympic Solidarity course organised by the IHF as part of the 2018 calendar took place in Rwanda over 14 days from February 20 to March 5. IHF lecturer Yvon Laurans ran the Level 2 national coaching course in Kigali, where 25 coaches with varying experience participated.

 

“The quality of the organisation, the excellent assiduity of the participants have permitted a real success,” said Laurans in his official report for the IHF and International Olympic Committee.

 

The day-to-day programme included both theoretical and practical classes, as well as exams. Participants had to complete oral and written evaluations, and lead a 45-minute session on a topic assigned by Laurans. Subjects featured in the tests included basic training programmes for handball players, match analysis and tactics, and the role of the trainer.

 

Of the 25 participants, 23 were Rwandan and two travelled from Uganda. Seven were coaches, 11 were Physical Education teachers, and seven work in related professions. The participants had varying levels of experience coaching – some have long-term experience in the national competition, while others are in earlier stages of their careers. 16 of the 25 passed the exams.

 

Laurans reported that the course was regularly visited by the representatives of the Rwandan Handball Federation, who took a keen interest.

 

The Olympic Solidarity programme is an IOC initiative operating with the goal of assisting nations most in need with athlete, coach and sport administrator development. The programme has been running for more than 50 years, during which many countries have had valuable help towards growing sport at a national level.

 

In 2017, the IHF organised a total of seven Olympic Solidarity courses around the world, in Belarus, Malawi, Cape Verde, Latvia, Somalia, Serbia and Costa Rica. In 2018, five courses are planned so far, with more to be added to the calendar.