SYR - 2009 Olympic Solidarity Coaching Clinic reports

SYRIA (Olympic Solidarity Technical course for coaches) - The Technical course for coaches was held in Damascus, Syria from 3 to 15 October, 2009. M. Bill McCammon was the appointed expert.

It was jointly decided by the expert and the coach's committee led by the legendary Syrian "Coach Ratep" to split the clinic into two sessions.

The first week was dedicated to youth coaches of intermediate level, whereas the second week was for high level coaches from around Syria.

The Coaches High Committee implemented very strict attendance guidelines.

A total of twenty sessions (10 theoretical, 12 practical) were given over the two weeks.

A Syrian sports' psychologist a physical trainer, nutrition experts as well as the head of the Syrian referees were invited by the Coaches High Committee in order to speak to the participants of the 2nd week.

A Syrian Basketball Federation certificate was issued for those young and intermediate level coaches which represents the initial stage of establishing a system for coaching certification within Syria.

At the end of the course McCammon comments were as follows: "After spending 15 days with Syrian coaches, players, administrators and officials there is no doubt that basketball is a very important part of the Syrian sports' culture. The participants showed a varied knowledge of the game but the passion to improve was of the highest interest to all. I would like to thank all participants and all officials involved for their interest, work and incredibly hospitality! They sincerely want to do things the correct way. I recommend that the Syrian Basketball Federation continue to work with FIBA and the Olympic Solidarity to achieve what everyone wants: a bright basketball future in this corner of the Middle East".