With exceptional support from the Thailand Triathlon Federation, the first athelte selection camp was held in Chiang Mai, Thailand. Three coaches and 11 athletes from four countries took part in the camp in mid-March. Athletes were assessed and introduced to specific training skills in order to help them achieve a higher level of performance.

ITU & ASTC conduct Sport Development Camps to help emerging countries develop young athletes and coaches in Asia. Through this program, coaches and athletes were exposed to talent identification, high performance training, and required techniques and skills.

This year ASTC took the Sport Development Program a step further by introducing the ASTC Development Team Program (ADTP). This is the second step in supporting the development of emerging athletes and coaches. The ADTP is a camps-based program established to provide a link between existing junior development programs and previous sport development.

Edward Macalalad, junior athlete from Philippines, said “I am lucky to join the camp, and I learned a lot. Also I really appreciate Luc’s simple explanations and demonstrations that make it easier to overcome language barriers.”

The cooperative atmosphere made this camp a learning experience for athletes and coaches. “We have witnessed many changes brought through these camps over the last two years. Now, athletes look professional and well equipped. Their performance and knowledge has been improved drastically. ASTC will conduct more projects to boost development in Asia throughout 2014,” said Ki Woo Kyong, ASTC coordinator. 

“Sport Development camps have been an incredible tool to reach out to federations, coaches, and athletes from emerging countries. Over the last two years, we have been in contact with a vast number of athletes and coaches in order to support development. The ATDP is a perfect tool to assess the impact made by the Sport Development Camps. Athletes and Coaches will further their knowledge and experience in a competitive environment with ASTC’s support,” said Luc Morin, ITU development expert.