SECRETARY to the Cabinet Patrick Kangwa says continuous investment in Coach Development is critical in order to empower athletes and increase their success in various competitions.
Mr Kangwa has described coaching as one of the pillars of national and international sporting success adding that the performance of athletes therefore hinges on the quality of coaches.
The Secretary to the Cabinet said this when he officially opened the National Coaches Seminar in Lusaka.
He also reiterated government’s commitment towards using Sports as a tool for social-economic development and peace in communities.
He noted that sports can be used to address a wide range of social issues such as Gender-based Violence and HIV/AIDS especially amongst women and girls.
Mr Kangwa added that it is for this reason that government through the Ministry of Youth, Sport and Arts is implementing the Coaching Boys into Men (CBIM) programme.
ZANIS reports that the CBIM program is an evidence – based Violence prevention curriculum that inspires Coaches to teach their young athletes that violence against women and girls is wrong and never equates to strength.
“The programme provides strategies, scenarios and resources needed to talk specifically to boys about leadership, healthy relationships, dating, violence, sexual assault and harassment,” he explained.
Mr Kangwa also stated that the workshop therefore resonates well with the just ended commemoration of 16 days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, further reiterating government’s commitment to empowering women and girls to enable them contribute to national development.
ZANIS reports that the training, hosted by the Ministry of Youth, Sport and Arts has attracted the attendance of 200 coaches from different sports disciplines around Lusaka province.
Speaking at the same meeting, Permanent Secretary for Youth and Sport, Kangwa Chileshe said his Ministry has continued to organise programmes aimed at enhancing the capacity of sports personnel including coaches.
“It is for this reason that we deemed it prudent for us to host this seminar for 200 coaches from across Lusaka and our ultimate goal is to ensure athletes get the desired skills,” Mr Chileshe stressed.
