German Olympic Support in El Salvadore

Gymnastic expert BESSI by order of 'DOSB'

Within a help project with financial resources of the Foreign Office of Germany the German Olympic Committee (DOSB) sent the internationally renowned instructor Dr. Flavio Bessi for two weeks in order to collaborate with the Federation of Gymnastics of El Salvador to improve the structures of the high performance sport.
The work plan consisted of three fundamental parts:
The first aspect was the total analysis of the structures with the subsequent consultation.
During the stay of the German expert, Flavio Bessi, holding a doctorate degree in sports and exercises sience at the "Albert-Ludwigs-Universität" Freiburg (GER), ...

... had the opportunity to speak with many coaches, administrative staff, parents and gymnasts. He observed processes and he drew conclusions as well.
This allowed to write a document with a quite complete diagnosis of the situation and to establish with some actors of the system of high performance agreed goals for the future.

The second important aspect was the qualification of coaches in subjects that normally are not object of courses. Not only normal topics like Biomechanics and Training Theory were taught but also topics regarding the so called “soft skills”:

Different aspects from the current communication theories were treated and practical exercises were done in order to use the learned techniques for a more effective communication.
The third aspect was the almost historical visit to all the gyms and centres of El Salvador.
The visited coaches and people in charge commented that it practically was the first time that such a visitor came to see, which possibilities of integration exist so that the existing human resources of the country can be used coordinated for a national goal. The visited gyms were Gymar, San Miguel, Sonsonate, Tembag, Healthy Life, Villa Centroamericana, Zacamil and the Sport Centre of the Federation.

* PRESS CONFERENCE: Dr. Flavio BESSI (GER), Uwe Koehler (middle; German Ambassedy), NOC-Chief Eduardo Palomo
(C) COES (Comité Olímpico de El Salvador)

The president of the Olympic Committee of EL Salvador, Eduardo Palomo, (photo above, right) personally thanked Dr. Bessi during the press conference for his invaluable help.
The German National Olympic Committee (DOSB) will continue supporting this process of renovation and improvement the next year when Dr. Bessi will return to El Salvador.
(C) E. Herholz; GYMmedia INTERNATIONAL