Malawi 2008

Sports Leadership reaches new levels as the Coaching Highland Programme broadens its horizons once more.

In June 2008, a number of Nairn Academy Sports Leader candidates helped deliver an award to a Malawian Secondary school in Africa, where 101 candidates were successful in completing The Day Certificate in Sports Leadership (DCL).  The linked partnership with Highland Council's Active Schools initiative has created a lasting legacy for the school staff and senior pupils of Chipasula Secondary School who took part in this award and gained a number of invaluable skills and games ideas.

Coaching Highland offered support for this outstanding achievement by offering kit and funding the certificates for the 101 candidates but more importantly, gave expert advice on delivery methods and sports leadership ideas.

Leadership in sport develops a number of key skills and qualities such as organisation, having fun, communication, teamwork and so much more. Participating in 40 degree heat was just one of the things the Highlanders overcame as well as language barriers.

Parachute games are a good teamwork focus here at home but in Africa, an impromptu revealing of a coloured parachute to play games almost caused a stampede in a local village. Infact, hundreds rushed to get to one of the 30 or so handles of the parachute. Quick thinking and good control were a few skills used by the Nairn Sports Leaders on this occasion.

The two days of Sports Leadership were certainly a challenge for the deliverers but memories and ideas that will last for all involved.  The lead co-ordinator commented that "It will be the only certificate many of them will ever receive for anything! Well done to all and thanks to Coaching Highland for making it happen!"