Continuing the full programme of Olympic Solidarity courses organised by the IHF in 2017, Commission of Coaching and Methods member Yvon Laurans recently visited San Jose, Costa Rica. Over a period of five days, from November 13 to 18, Laurans ran the Olympic Solidarity course for 35 participants who are mainly at a beginner level.

 

“The level of the group corresponds to level D of the first four-year plan course. 36 did the written test, 26 passed the practical test and 17 graduated at level D. During and in complement of the level C course, other graduations to level D will be organised,” said Laurans in his official report on the course, before commending the Costa Rican Federation for their organisation of the course’s technical and logistical aspects.

 

The last quarter of the year has been a busy period for the Olympic Solidarity programme organised by the IHF, with courses also held in Somalia and Serbia in October and November. Rashad Shaker ran the course in Somalia from October 15 to 24, and Martin Tuma led the course in Serbia from October 30 to November 4.

 

The IHF has organised a total of seven Olympic Solidarity courses in 2017, in Belarus, Malawi, Cape Verde, Latvia, Somalia, Serbia, and the latest in Costa Rica.

 

Olympic Solidarity is an IOC initiative designed to help those nations most in need develop their athletes, coaches and sports administrators. The programme was created more than 50 years ago with the goal of helping newly independent countries develop structures to grow sport at a national level.