Participants at the opening ceremony

An all-important partnership between the International Military Sports Council (CISM) and the International Boxing Association (AIBA) saw its beginning on November 1, 2010.  This was marked at the opening ceremony of the CISM Africa Development Centre's 5th Boxing Coaches' Course in Nairobi, Kenya.

The ceremony was presided over by the Chief Executive Officer of the Stadia Management Board, Mr Benjamin Sogomo as Chief Guest. Also attending was the president of the Kenya Armed Forces Boxing Association Lt Col Ikiara, Course Coordinator Lt Col Samuel Mwangi, Kenyatta University Lecturers, AIBA Chief  Instructor Mr Carmine Fracasso from Italy and his assistant Mr Azeddine Aggoun from Algeria.

The course, which is jointly funded by the CISM and AIBA's Foundation for Better Boxing, has drawn twenty four participants from seven countries, namely Namibia, Uganda, Gambia, South Africa, Guinea, Botswana and Kenya.

In his keynote address, the chief guest heartily welcomed instructors and participants to Kenya and to the venue. He thanked the participant's governments for realizing the importance of the course, the reason they agreed to send them to participate. He asked the participants to seize the opportunity to assimilate as much skills and knowledge as possible.

He noted with satisfaction that many coaches had attended previous courses. He said that reports reaching his office were that skills and knowledge gained had immensely benefited the coaches towards fostering boxing standards in their respective countries.

He hoped that besides providing an opportunity for enhancing boxing skills and knowledge, the course would also provide an opportunity to interact socially, share experiences and forge a sense of solidarity in the true spirit of 'Friendship through Sport'.

In his speech, Mr Fracasso conveyed greetings from AIBA President Dr Wu and AIBA, which was holding its congress in Kazakhstan. He thanked the organizers for the good reception and hospitality accorded to him and his assistant so far. He hoped the course would avail an opportunity to the participants to improve on their coaching skills.

The course will take fourteen days to end on 15th November 2010. It will cover such topics as Boxing Training, Tactics, Training methodology, Human anatomy, Physiology, Fitness evaluation and exercise prescription in boxing, boxing circuit training, Dart fish analysis, Principles of training, Sports nutrition and coaching psychology, among others.