World Sailing breaks new ground with its first ever development program in Sudan

World Sailing breaks new ground with its first ever development program in Sudan © World Sailing

World Sailing has taken another step forward in its goal to grow sailing in Africa with the delivery of its first ever sailing development programme in Sudan with support from the International Olympic Committee's (IOC) Olympic Solidarity fund.

Held in the city of Port Sudan on the Red Sea Coast, the week-long Technical Course for Coaches (TCC) delivered by World Sailing's Appointed Coach Developer, Rob Holden, in partnership with the Sudan Sailing Federation, the Sudanese Olympic Committee, and the national Ministry of Youth and Sports aimed to improve the sailing knowledge of coaches and instructors.

In total, 20 coaches and seven athletes including five female coaches and one female sailor took part, while also starting the process of developing athletes and officials, as well as outlining the requirements for a new sailing venue and addressing the need for more sailing equipment.

Modules held throughout the week introduced aspects of sailing to allow the Federation to move forward with their plans, including building a para sailing program and how to coach people with disabilities, athlete safeguarding, gender equity, diversity and inclusion, sustainability, prevention of injuries, and nutrition.

Koray Ezer, World Sailing's Head of International Development, said, "There is huge potential for Sudan to become an active sailing nation and a hub for events in north-eastern Africa. The access to calm bays and the Red Sea is ideal for sailing, and with the support of the authorities there is an opportunity now to develop the sport for current and future generations. Growing sailing in Africa is a priority for World Sailing and it is extremely pleasing to see so many young sailors take an interest, encourage others and want to be part of the sport."