Chile coaching course looks to grow rowing

As Chile readies itself to host the 2014 South American Games, rowing supporters are aiming to get the momentum going. Recently a coaching course was held in Aculeo, 50km from Chile’s capital, Santiago.


British rowing coach Jim Flood facilitated the course bringing the country’s rowing coaches together. Rowing in Santiago is still in its infancy with the main rowing hub being in Valdivia. This course also aimed at developing rowing nearer to Santiago where the South American Games will be held.

At the end of the course 10 coaches earned their FISA level 1 coaching certificate.

Flood commented, “I'm very impressed with the rowing and coaching I have seen in Chile. There is a real passion for the sport. The level of coaching and rowing is very high with great potential to produce future World and Olympic Champions. The senior coaches I met and talked with were very knowledgeable and up-to-date with modern coaching practice.”

Berlinger said there was a further goal of setting up a University Rowing League similar to the German model of the Ruder Bundesliga, the German Rowing League. The League sees clubs racing over a 350m sprint distance and earning points throughout the season. Berlinger hopes that this will help to get rowing established in Chilean universities.

The rest of the story here: http://www.worldrowing.com/