Uganda Modern Pentathlon Federation conducts first ever coaching course at Kampala Parents School (Photo by George Katongole)
David GOMBE
The Uganda Modern Pentathlon Federation has organized it’s first ever coaching course (The UIPM Coaches Certification Programme Level one coaching course).
The course was officially launched by the Uganda Olympic Committee on Tuesday 31st January at Kampala Parents School, Naguru East.
The exercise facilitated by Egyptian instructor Yasser Hefny will run up to Saturday 4th February, 2023.
It will cover aspects regarding to preparing athletes for particular events, organizing training sessions, organizing events, coaching techniques that will help coaches give knowledge to athletes.
Uganda Modern Pentathlon Federation President Simon Peter Komakech stated that this is the first ever coaches’ training they are holding in the country since the sport was introduced in 2017.
“This is our first training since the sport was introduced in the country in 2017. It is a modern sport and we need to get awareness and technical knowledge. The course will run for five days and end on Saturday. I know it will improve our performance.” Said Komakech
Uganda Olympic Committee administrator Elijah Njawuzi who represented President Donald Rukare at the launch hailed UMPF for organizing the activity and stated they will try to enforce capacity building
“I thank the Uganda Modern Pentathlon Federation for this coaching course. This is great for a sport that is still growing in the country. As NOC we will try to enforce capacity building and we hope that coaches will use the knowledge for the best of the game.” Said Njawuzi
Facilitator Yasser revealed that Uganda can win big in future if the facilities and mentality is there
“Uganda can become a big powerhouse in the sport if the facilities and mentality is there.” Stated Yasser
Modern pentathlon is an Olympic sport that comprises of fencing (one-touch épée), freestyle swimming, equestrian show jumping, pistol shooting, and cross country running.
The modern pentathlon was first held in 1912, and its rules have changed several times over the years. The latest structure, as of the 2020 Olympics, consists of three separate events for fencing, swimming, and equestrian, which determine each athlete’s starting time in the final event. The last event, called the laser-run, alternates four legs of laser pistol shooting followed by an 800 m run (for 3200 m in total).