The three-day event, designed to further boost para triathlon in the region, follows the decision to host the 2021 and 2022 Para Triathlon World Championships in Abu Dhabi.
Participants from the Lebanon, Kuwait, Jordan, Kyrgyzstan, UAE and Saudi Arabia attended the event, and included those wanting to get a certification in para triathlon coaching, as well as athletes looking to improve their training techniques, learn about equipment, classification and how to get involved in international competition.
The event featured a module entitled ‘Sport Science and Sport Medicine Considerations’, which was delivered by members of the Peter Harrison Centre, with the aim of increasing coaches’ understanding of supporting para triathletes, outside of the technical or tactical aspects of swim, bike and run.
Ben Stephenson, Para Triathlon Physiologist at the English Institute of Sport, explained:
“It is vital that the sport of para triathlon further globalises, and not just in the Middle East. The International Paralympic Committee has a target of competing nations which each sport must meet to be eligible for inclusion in the Games.
“Para triathlon is currently only represented by a limited number of nations, therefore the sport must grow to more nations. This is only one area of work to support this goal, by increasing triathlon coaches’ awareness and understanding of supporting athletes with an impairment.”
Ali Magboul, President of the Saudi Federation, said:
“We are absolutely delighted with this event, it proves the potential of para triathlon to grow in our region. Our National Federation is committed to providing para triathletes and coaches more opportunities, with the long-term goal of having athletes representing our country at the Paralympic Games.”