New ASPIRE training program supports 'Sport for All' in Qatar

The initiative will provide an important boost for physical fitness levels in Qatar, by providing more qualified PE teachers with the knowledge of teaching young children and women and also by encouraging more students to become involved in sport and exercise.

Based on their experience of launching free fitness classes for mothers and toddlers at the Academy, staff from ASPIRE can pass on their expert knowledge in the development of the dedicated program, which will teach the theory and practice of physical education in this special field.

The 10-week program is part of a pilot designed to enable graduates to host gymnastic classes in schools across the country, focusing specifically on providing lessons for women and children.

Divided into three main parts - Observation, Theory and Practical - the course supports effective training and fitness techniques designed especially for children and women.

Trainees will be assessed on a one-on-one basis, before moving on to the theory of physical education. The second part entails a two-hour introduction outlining basic concepts of the programme and instruction on elements of children's movement development and the role of the mother and teacher.

The third stage provides a broad range of practical education including lesson planning, creating a course, use of equipment, securing safety environments and providing the right instruction.

Gisela Hackfort, ASPIRE's Course Leader for Exercise and Fitness said:

"The wider aim of this course is to contribute to the health of Qatar. Course members were selected in order to build up a program in their own schools and help drive the concept of 'Sport for All' out into the wider community and country."

"We would hope that the initiative creates awareness of the need and benefit of staying fit and healthy for everyone who participates."

The first course started at the beginning of March 2006 and the first graduates will be awarded their pass certificates at a ceremony to take place at ASPIRE on 4 May 2006.