The city of La Paz in Bolivia welcomed athletes and coaches from around the country for the first ever ITU and Olympic Solidarity Training Camp and Level I Coaching Course. The course was part of the support and assistance program for emerging countries in the development of sport.

The Bolivian Triathlon Federation (FBTRI) worked very hard in order to provide the best experience possible for both groups. A total of 35 athletes (from 12 to 19 years of age) and 28 coaches, from six different countries, participated in the activities during the nine days of the athlete camp and coaching course.

Athletes enjoyed two training sessions a day, divided among pools, tracks, cycling courses and parks around La Paz. Likewise, coaches participated in daily four sessions, including practical practice sessions with the athletes, as well as classroom sessions that were held at the Bolivian Olympic Committee (COB) headquarters. Andreu Alfonso (ESP) and Rodrigo Milazzo (BRA) facilitated both the coaching and athlete sessions.

The main goal of the camp was to provide local athletes a good training environment where they could experience different training techniques. For coaches, the seminar applied coaching content taught during the theory classes. The whole process focused on overall development of triathlon coaching knowledge and experience in order to prepare local coaches for the athlete development process initiated by new FBTRI president, Graciela Jurado.

Course facilitators said that the interaction, involvement, and commitment from the athletes and coaches were the highlight of the courses. They expect it will have a very positive effect and outcome for the development of Bolivian triathlon in the future.

The Training Camp and Level I Coaching Course are part of the ITU Development program to assist the development of triathlon in emerging countries in the Americas in 2012. Due to the efforts from OS and ITU, both COB and FBTRI were very thankful for all the resources that made this action possible.

Thanks to PATCO for providing this information