News

Successful IWAS Wheelchair Fencing Coaching & Classification Course promotes development in South America

21/03/2016

Participants from Colombia, Chile, Argentina, Guatemala and Uruguay attended the theoretical and practical course in Sao Paulo between 7 and 12 March 2016.

On 7th March 2016, Sao Paulo, Brazil hosted the IWAS Wheelchair Fencing Coaching Course and Classification Seminar in an effort to promote the sport in South America. Participants from Colombia, Chile, Argentina, Guatemala and Uruguay attended the theoretical and practical course which drew to a close on 12th March.

Lecturers of the course were Valber Lazaro Nazareth, Brazilian Paralympic Committee, WF Technical Coordinator and Fencing Master, Jean Deleplancque (France), WF Emeritus Fencing Master, Cesar Augusto Leiria da Silva, Brazilian Paralympic Committee WF Head Coach and Fencing Master, Edison Duarte, IWAS WF International Classifier and Neurophysiologist PhD and Eduardo Romão Gomes, IWAS WF Referee Committee Chief.

Course leader, Valber Lazaro Nazareth said, ‘This course was very important for the development of wheelchair fencing in Latin America. All countries in this region are very interested in developing the sport, however, it is necessary to train the coaches and classifiers to work correctly. We had very good feedback regarding the structure of the course.’

The last two days of the course were held alongside a national competition, the I Brazilian Cup, which gave attendees hands-on experience and allowed them to be actively involved with Brazilian athletes in training and organisation during the competition.

The collaboration between IWAS and CPB was the first step in the development plan for the sport in South America and the preparation of future courses to extend Wheelchair Fencing in the region is ongoing.

IWAS has partnered with PALFINGER Passenger Lifts who are also working closely with the Brazilian Paralympic Committee to promote and expand Wheelchair Fencing in the country, an initiative supported by the fundraising initiatives of the global manufacturing company.

IWAS would like to extend its thanks to the hosts and congratulations to the participants on the successful completion of the course. We look forward to working with you in the future.