2015-02-02Staff Report 2 By Staff Reporter WINDHOEK - The Namibian National Olympic Committee (NNOC) has fostered a partnership with the Namibian Cycling Federation (NCF) to present an international level 1 cycling coaching course locally. The course was held from January 17 to 24 in Windhoek and focused mainly on educating local cycling coaches to give them an opportunity to obtain an international qualification. Coaches from Katima Mulilo, Oshakati, Eenhana, Gobabis and Windhoek attended the course and were excited to share their newly acquired knowledge and expertise with cyclists across the country. The International Cycling Federation (UCI) course, funded by Olympic Solidarity, was presented by international coaching educator, Richard Shepherd, a UCI accredited instructor with years of experience as British cycling coach with his role including coaching of the British talent squad. Shepherd, who has also been involved as a coach in a number of African countries, understands the challenges encountered in Africa. He however noticed great potential in Namibian cycling during a previous visit to Namibia in 2014 where he worked with some of Namibia’s top cyclists and riders from the Physically Active Youth (PAY) development project. “During the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, I was asked to accompany the Namibian team as coach, which was an honour for me at these prestigious games,” Shepherd mentioned. “I hope my involvement will see further visits throughout the coming years to support projects and ensure Namibia creates a strong, healthy and sustainable structure that is an example of excellence in cycle sport.” Local coaches that have qualified as UCI Level 1 coaches are: Moses Musukubili Salomo Ndeshimona Fred Adam Jafet Amukushu Johannes Hamunyela Jacques Gryffenberg Johan Vorster Ingrid Milz Heiko Redecker Sally Harper Irene Steyn Hans du Toit Martin Freyer Ananias Ananias Erna Opperman Michael Pretorius Carolin Janik Michael Swanepoel Heiko Diehl The level 1 course focused mainly on teaching basic skills of cycling in a group-coaching environment. Plans of the NNOC and NCF now include a level 2 coaching course later this year to give interested level 1 coaches the opportunity to further their knowledge and learn how to coach advanced and elite level riders. 2015-02-02Staff Report 2
