Doha (Qatar), AGU Office: The Gymnastics Association of the Philippines (GAP) hosted the FIG Artistic Coaching Academy level 1 course in Manila, from October 17-24.

A total of 41 participants from 11 countries took part in the programme, which was held under the joint collaboration of FIG and Asian Gymnastics Union.

11 coaches from the host country along with trainers from Vietnam, Indonesia, Singapore, India, Iran, South Korea, Japan, Nepal, Cambodia, Sri Lanka and Jordan participated while FIG experts Tammy Johnson, Peggy Liddick and Takashi Kobayashi conducted the week-long course.

The main target of such programmes is to help the national federations invite aspiring coaches, who can produce gymnasts.

“We were able to field in 11 coaches to this academy. It was a great help in cost savings since we hosted it and thereby allowed more local coaches to benefit from this sponsored courses by FIG and AGU,” said GAP Secretary General Bettina H Pou.

“We extend our sincere thanks to FIG and AGU for allowing us to act as hosts to these academies. It helped us to improve our coaching staff and coaches who work with our associate members. The academy also helped us in making gymnastics a viable sport even for our members,” he added.