99 undergo TOECS in Mutare
A TOTAL of 99 participants from different parts of the country converged at Sakubva Primary in Mutare recently for the highly rated International Athletics Referees’ Course Level One, a crucial stage in the globally acceptable Technical Education and Certification Officiating Systems (TOECS).
The 99 were drawn from Manicaland (64), Masvingo (14), Midlands (three), Mashonaland West (three), Mashonaland Central (eight), Matabeleland South (one) and Mashonaland East (six).
The course was organised by Mutare Athletics Board in conjunction with the Manicaland Athletics Board.
Participants in the course went through lessons in entries in competitions at international standards, attire, officials’ categories, running events, field events (jumping and throwing events), race walking, combined events (heptathlon, octathlon, and decathlon), indoor athletics and anti-doping.
International instructor, Irene Chineka, one of the only three instructors in Zimbabwe, was the chief facilitator during the well-attended course.
Chineka said: “This is the third course of its nature that we are having this year around the country, and we are happy with the response we are getting from our targeted participants. It really shows that we have come of age in athletics as we now understand the importance of technical expertise in managing our competitions.
“It is important to note that this course is crucial in enhancing the professional approach to athletics competition management, and it is recognised globally. These participants can officiate anywhere under the sun with this qualification. Therefore, we congratulate them for the sacrifice they have made to be here, and hopefully, they will play an important role in
nurturing our budding athletes.”
Mutare Athletics Board chairperson, Godfrey Ndinangepi, who was also the assistant facilitator during the recent course at Sakubva Primary
School, said: “As Mutare Athletics Board, one of the seven boards we have here in Manicaland under Manicaland Athletics Board, we are excited to have managed to host this event
successfully. We strongly believe we have played a huge role in capacitating our athletics officials, and this should culminate into more professional handling of our competitions.”