Only 17 out of the invited 30 are attending a 12-day Taekwondo coaches’ training in Arusha, the Tanzania Olympic Committee (TOC) announced.
Tanzania Olympic Committee (TOC) Secretary General, Filbert Bayi
TOC Secretary General Filbert Bayi expressed his disappointment, saying that the number is far short from what was expected and it was not good for the country’s image.
He demanded those who had confirmed to take part in the training, which is conducted by grandmaster from the World Taekwondo Federation (WTF), South Korean Yin-Yung Kim, to honour the training immediately.
He said the Tanzania Taekwondo Federation (TTF) had received confirmation from various coaches from Kilimanjaro, Simiyu, Kagera, Mwanza, Dar es Salaam, Arusha and Serengeti (Mara) but only a few have turned up so far.
However, he said that the door was still open to those who did not turn up in the opening day to do so now. Opening the training, Bayi hailed the TTF for not only initiating the training, but ensuring that it is held as planned.
He also praised the federation for bringing in the country a top trainer of Kim’s quality. Master Kim has taught Taekwondo for over 45 years and displays an exceptional talent for developing the mind, body and spirit of his students.
“We at TOC have been impressed by the TTF efforts to work closely with the world governing body (WTF) to ensure that this training is held in the country as planned,” Bayi said.
He said the training was fully covered by the Olympic solidarity through TOC, calling on participants to take the training seriously and help improve the level of Taekwondo in the country.
Bayi also challenged the TTF to organise regular competitions as part of efforts to promote and spread the game in the country.
He said that this is the second time the training is being held in Arusha. A similar training took place way back in 2006 under WTF instructor Sang Min – Baik from South Korea.
Source Tanzania Daily News