18 Swimming Coaches Benefit from Sierra Leone Aquatics Coaching Seminar
By Desmond Tunde Coker
In a significant step toward enhancing the development of swimming in Sierra Leone, 18 coaches have successfully completed a three-day World Aquatics coaching seminar in Freetown. The event, held at the Sierra Palms Hotel, Aberdeen, was organized by Sierra Leone Aquatics under the Olympic Solidarity Program. It aimed to elevate the skills and expertise of local coaches, enabling them to nurture emerging talents and boost performance in the sport.
The seminar was officially inaugurated by Joseph S. Jida Kiz-Kamara, Acting General Secretary of Sierra Leone Aquatics. In his opening remarks, Kiz-Kamara underscored the importance of such initiatives in strengthening national sports, emphasizing the commitment of Sierra Leone Aquatics to advancing coaching standards.
A key highlight of the seminar was the presence of renowned South African coaching expert Eugene Da Ponta, whose involvement was made possible through World Aquatics certification programs. Kiz-Kamara expressed gratitude for Da Ponta’s participation, noting his extensive experience and the critical role he played in leading the seminar’s sessions.
In his own remarks, Da Ponta stressed the importance of focus and concentration in effective coaching, qualities he emphasized throughout the seminar. His training approach blended theoretical instruction with practical sessions, offering the participants a deep understanding of advanced coaching methodologies.
The seminar featured a range of intensive workshops led by Da Ponta, covering both technical and motivational aspects of coaching. Each session built upon the previous one, ensuring a cohesive and comprehensive learning experience for all attendees.
Sierra Leone Aquatics President, Mohamed Abdul Turay, expressed heartfelt appreciation for Da Ponta’s dedication and expertise, hinting at the potential for future collaborations, including a Level Two course, pending World Aquatics approval. The seminar concluded with a symbolic gesture of gratitude when Ruth Turay, a former national swimmer turned coach, presented Da Ponta with a traditional African garment.
The event ended with group photos and the ceremonial signing of the course banner, marking the culmination of a highly successful program. The seminar’s impact is expected to resonate throughout Sierra Leone’s swimming community, laying the groundwork for future achievements as the country prepares for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games.