IJF judo training course kicks off

THE Judo Association of Zimbabwe are looking to reach out to several local coaches through the international training course to be conducted by renowned British judo teaching expert Salim Bougoffa.

Bougoffa arrived in the country yesterday and said he was on a mission to conduct training courses aimed at growing the sport in Zimbabwe.

The four-day course, which begins today and ends on Saturday at Innovate Sport and Health in Harare, has the backing of the Olympic Solidarity and the International Judo Federation (IJF).

Bougoffa was welcomed at the Robert Mugabe International Airport by members of the Judo association of Zimbabwe.

Speaking on arrival, Salim expressed excitement about the prospects of the sport in Zimbabwe. The British national said he was looking forward to his first coaching course in Zimbabwe.

“I am truly honoured to be here in Zimbabwe and I am looking forward to the coaching course. My mission here is for Olympic solidarity. I am targeting to train 60 coaches from African countries this time around,” he said.

President of the Judo Association of Zimbabwe, Smart Deke said the course is expected to up-skill the local coaches.

“Judo is now part of physical education in Zimbabwe. We want to spread out in all 10 provinces of Zimbabwe. We have our coaches who are numbering up to 30 from Zimbabwe.

“The course has also attracted other countries like Zambia, South Africa and Malawi. The program will benefit our regional neighbouring countries as well,” said Deke.

He said the purpose for the training course was to train uncertified and certified coaches so that they acquire skills and teach the program in schools.

Salim Bougoffa is a judo expert from Britain, originally from Algeria, with 47 years of experience.