NEWS

Updates from the African Triathlon Union (ATU)

By Brad Culp | 09 Apr, 2010

Liesbeth Stoltz, President of the African Triathlon Union, reports that a lot has been happening on the African triathlon scene. Most notably, Stoltz reported that triathlon is on the programme of the African Youth Games, set for Morocco this July.

In other ATU News:

- The Association of National Olympic Committees of Africa (ANOCA) has been working hard to establish a Continental version of the Youth Olympic Games. Ahmed Nasser, President of the Egyptian Triathlon Federation, was successful in earning the support of General Palenfo, President of ANOCA. General Palenfo has approved a super-sprint triathlon and a mixed team relay for the Games, which will take place in Rabat. More information about National Federation qualification and quotas will be coming shortly.

- During the recent ANOCA meeting, Ahmed Nasser was appointed as the head of marketing for ANOCA. The ANOCA has already benefited greatly from Ahmed’s vast experience in media and he will be a great asset to raising the profile of ANOCA within the commercial world.

- ATU President Liesbeth Stoltz will be one of the guest speakers at the International Convention of Sport in Africa (CISA), speaking on the theme of “International Sports Organisations strategies and programs contributing to Sports Development in Africa”. The conference, which is jointly organised by JAPPO, the National Olympic Committee, and the Sports Council of South Africa (SASCOC), will take place in Ekurhuleni (East Johannesburg), South Africa.

- Dr. Lanre Glover, President of the Nigerian Triathlon Federation, will be travelling to Puerto Rico next month as one of two representatives from Africa to the International Federation of Sports Medicine Congress.  The annual FIMS Congress is being held in San Juan.

- Activities within ATU are pushing forward with the 2011 Maputo All-African Games as the major focus.  ATU, in co-operation with Triathlon South Africa, will be hosting an ITU Facilitators’ Course from May 4th to 7th in Durban.  Sixteen of the top coaches and technical officials from across Africa will be honing their teaching and presentation skills to enable them to deliver community and club courses in their region of Africa.  The Facilitators’ Course will be presented by Norman Brook, former CEO of the British Triathlon Federation and Alan Ley, ITU Sport Development Manager.

- A Level 2 Technical Officials Course will also take place during the same week with over 20 officials from nine different African countries in attendance.  The primary purpose of the course is to begin the process of developing a team of technical officials who will be able to manage the field of play at the Maputo Games.  Thanos Nikopoulos, ITU Technical Operations Manager will be the facilitator for this course.  Following two days of theory work, the technical officials will have a practical experience in an officiating role at the 2010 African Championships on May 9th, which will also take place in Durban.

For more information about the African Triathlon Union (ATU) please email .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)