Olympic Solidarity Cambodia

by Rick McCharles

Technical Coaching Course of Men’s Artistic Gymnastics, July 7-17th, 2008

Photos from this course on Flickr.

Course notes and links:

Day 1

Introduction / Philosophy

Physical Preparation theory

Gymnastics should be SAFE, EASY and FUN.

video – have more FUN in the gym

videos – Gymnastics Interactive – Gymnastics Revolution

Day 2

Tumbling theory

Physical Preparation practical in-gym

Tumbling practical in-gym part 1

Day 3

Vault theory

Tumbling practical in-gym part 2

Vault practical in-gym part 1

Day 4

Bar theory

Vault practical in-gym part 2

Horizontal Bar practical in-gym part 1

Day 5

Study tour to Village outside the city

Day 6

Biomechanics

Parallel Bars theory

Horizontal Bar practical in-gym part 2

Day 7

Rings theory

Ethics

Parallel Bars practical in-gym

Day 8

Pommel Horse theory

Wrap-up

Rings practical in-gym

Coach Presentations in-gym

Day 9

Open gym

Closing Ceremonies

One of the mandates of the International Olympic Committee is to help grow Olympic sport around the world. To this end they budget money to support the National Olympic Committees (NOCs) in building sport programs.

One stream is called Olympic Solidarity funding. Cambodia requested assistance in developing their Men’s Artistic Gymnastics team. I was designated by F.I.G. as an “expert” and asked to travel to the capital Phnom Penh to work with coaches and athletes. To help raise the level of Men’s Artistic Gymnastics.

Each day we spent half the time in the excellent “classroom” covering theory. Half the time in gym.

Course content was personalized for the needs of the Cambodian coaches. Based on the Canadian Men’s National Team program, the Canadian National Coaching Certification Program and the F.I.G. Academy Program.

Photos and video helps overcome the language barrier. Translation was excellent, as well.

While I was there as a consultant, the Secretary General of the Cambodia Gymnastics Federation Nay Phonna set up equipment from Japan, Korea and China. The gym at the National Stadium now has world class apparatus except for Floor Exercise. It’s a “Centre of Excellence” for sport in the country. At closing, the Ambassador from China visited the gym as guest of honour.

new mats

The course was excellent in every way. Thank you to all the partners. And a special thanks to Mr. Nay Phonna for his hard work and expert translation.

The Cambodia Gymnastics Federation has a complete set of presentation notes, videos, photos and other resources from this course.

Congratulations to all coaches here shown at closing with their certificates.