February 27, 2006

 

USA Water Polo Aids Coaching Development in Jamaica (Kingston); Randy Burgess, President AWPCA, and Mike Lewis, Director of Sport Development, selected to present at FINA development clinic in Kingston.  

 

In an effort to help the development of water polo in our hemisphere FINA and the Amateur Swimming Association of Jamaican are hosting a water polo development clinic.  “It is an honor to represent USA Water Polo in FINA’s and the ASAJ’s efforts to develop water polo in their country,” said Lewis.  “The Jamaican coaches are extremely enthusiastic and eager to learn.” 

 

During the five-day clinic sessions are conducted in the areas of coaching theory, coaching principles, sport science, training program design/evaluation, fundamentals, tactics and strategies.   There are also sessions dedicated to club development and leadership for administrators and officials.

 

The development of water polo in our hemisphere is vital to our sport’s international success.   The Jamaicans have a good talent base and enthusiasm.  Under the leadership of ASAJ President John Eyre the aquatics program in Jamaica has made tremendous gains.  “Eyre’s’ vision and determination are extraordinary”, said Lewis.  “He is passionate about creating opportunities for the children of Jamaica and developing high quality elite programs.”

 

Classroom lectures are conducted at the Jamaican Olympic Committee headquarters with practical sessions held at the national aquatics center.  The Jamaicans are developing a school system that will feed their club and national team programs.  They have enlisted the expertise of coach Laszlo Borbely of Hungary (Jamaican Water Polo Technical Director), and Garth Henriques (Vice President, Water Polo), former Jamaican national team member to develop and build their system.

 

“They face many of the same challenges we see in the United States,” reports Randy Burgess, “recruiting, training and education.”  Burgess went on to say, “the enthusiasm of the Jamaicans is amazing – the coaches are soaking up the information and classroom sessions are lively with a lot of dialogue.”

 


“It been great to have the support of USA Water Polo and FINA,” according to Eyre, “Jamaicans are always eager to learn and see a different perspective.  I am certain that the influence of this clinic will have long-term benefits for the development of water polo in our country.  It’s a pleasure to establish a relationship with USA Water Polo, Coach Burgess and Mike Lewis – we hope this will heighten the interaction between our federations.”

 

The clinic will run through March 2th.