Six representatives of the Bermuda Olympic Association were among 317 participants from 41 national Olympic committees to become certified by Panam Sports in long-term athlete development.

Alec Shepherd (triathlon), Trina Roberts (archery), Tim Trott (basketball), Anna Balada (gymnastics), Branwen Smith-King (BOA) and Andre Perez (rowing) attended the Long-Term Athlete Development webinar series hosted by Panam Sports and Sport For Life from September 2 to October 21, completing the requisite examinations to obtain certification.

Judy Simons, the BOA president, said: “I would like to congratulate Bermuda’s participants in the LTAD programme. The knowledge they have gained will be a tremendous asset to the BOA and Bermuda’s national sports governing bodies as we work together to increase youth involvement in sport and develop world-class athletes.”

The BOA explained that the long-term athletic development programme is designed to help coaches, trainers, administrators and other sports professionals develop high-level athletes and work to ensure that children and youth in their communities stay in sports and stay active for life.

“LTAD promotes physical literacy in youth and advocates for a gradual development of young athletes, encouraging participation in a variety of sports at younger ages to create the most beneficial experience, and to minimise the potential for injury,” the BOA stated.

“As athletes get older, LTAD principles call for them to concentrate increasingly on a sport of choice and streamline and increase the frequency of training in that sport. This method brings about the greatest success in developing elite athletes.”