Nassau 'Nastics recently held a coaches clinic at its main training facility in Oakes Field. The purpose was to enlighten local coaches to new training methods as well as find ways to improve the programs that are already in place.
The clinic featured guests who are two of the top gymnastics educators in the world - Panamanian gymnastics coach Andres Gerardino and Canadian coach Rick McCharles. Gerardino is an expert in female gymnastics, while McCharles is an expert in the art of male gymnastics.
The clinic was entitled "Age Group Camp" and the purpose of it was to demonstrate the basics of men's and women's artistic gymnastics.
"By enhancing our coaching abilities, the students will improve their skill sets and will excel. It also offers a chance for newcomers to get involved in the sport with this basic training," said Gymnastics Federation of The Bahamas (GFB) President Barbara Thompson.
"With an expanded pool of qualified coaches available for our young athletes, new groups and clubs could be started up in local schools and community centers.
This is an important goal for the GFB".
The coaches held both practical and theory sessions during the clinic. They also took time out to work with some of the young gymnasts as well.
"One of the biggest points I tried to stress was physical preparation," said McCharles.
Gerardino said: "The coaches are really interested. They have a good knowledge of the sport and they are passionate about it. Those are some of the things that we look for first in athletes and coaches."
Both coaches as well as president Thompson acknowledged that the gymnastics facilities in the country need to be upgraded with more modern equipment. New equipment will also provide better safety conditions for the athletes.
"If these athletes are doing this good under these conditions, I feel that there is no doubt that with a better facility they will do a lot better. You have to remember that gymnastics is also a risky sport, so the equipment will not only be to get them better but to keep them safe while they train," said Gerardino.
Both coaches are planning to return later on this year for another clinic and exhibition, in which both will bring members of their teams with them. McCharles is looking to donate some equipment to Nassau 'Nastics when he returns.

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