COACHES attached to National Sports Commission (NSC) on Friday took part in a Strength and Conditioning Course, organised by the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport at the National Cultural Centre.

The seminar was conducted by non-profit group Allyuh Sports Image. Focus on this occasion was Strength and Condition for Elite Athletes.

American Shawn Benson, who specialises in that area, explained it is a vital component in how to get athletes performing at optimum levels consistently.

According to Benson, during a visit to a training session with some Track and Field athletes, he noticed they lacked the equipment to do the needed strength work, but the talent was very evident.

The seasoned fitness coach further emphasised that through good conditioning, athletes can achieve more and it acts as a cushion to reduce injury.

Meanwhile, Dr Antony Bowen, an Executive Director of Allyuh Sports Image, indicated that another critical factor is to ensure they support athletes who may not have the ability to access the necessary gear, and for athletes who move to the United States of America, they assist in their transition.

Additionally, Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport, Charles Ramson Jr, re-emphasised the Ministry will be working on ensuring the coaches, who are facilitating the “finessing” of the Elite Athletes, are upskilled to the level of Elite Coaches.

The coaching will form a key component to the Elite Training Programme of the Sports Academy which is built on three pillars: Nursey, Tournaments and Elite Training.