On the 23rd November 2009, the Foundation of Goodness was very happy to welcome Mr. Steve Jones to Seenigama. A former top level volleyball player, coach and developer of the Volleyball England coach training qualifications; he brought with him experience and skills beyond the imagining.
Five coaches from Seenigama Sports Academy received three days of intensive training, and all passed their final practical and feedback tests to complete their Level 1 Certificates. The training was of the highest standards expected in the UK, which required the coaches themselves to work harder than they have ever done, using their skills and developing new awareness of the need for planning, self-evaluation and player feedback.
Steve, who gave of his time free of cost to come to Sri Lanka, commented that “I am amazed at the standard of play of the children, who have come this far despite the challenges they face. I will go back to the UK with a greater awareness of how lucky we are in England, with the equipment and facilities that we have.” Steve also took part in training sessions at three local schools- Seenigama Sri Wimala Buddhi MV, Thotagamuwa MV and Peraliya School, all of which take part in the Foundation of Goodness’ Laureus Sport for Life project.
Volleyball coaches completing the course included Thushara Mendis, who is Manager of the Seenigama Sports Academy and Head Volleyball Coach, Lachintha Lukshan, who is an FoG volleyball coach and the Sports Academy Project Coordinator, Udayanga, FoG volleyball coach at Pereliya school and Jayan, FoG Volleyball Coach at Thotagamuwa school and of this year’s u12 DSI School Volleyball Champions . Also taking part in the training was Dayanande, the Maths teacher at Seenigama Sri Wimala Buddhu MV, who is also a keen volleyball player and wishes to do more coaching, while he currently supports Thushara and the Seenigama Sri Wimala Buddhi MV school players.
Steve’s visit was endorsed by the Sri Lanka Volleyball Federation and funded by Volleyball England and UK Sport, who would like to use this as a ‘pilot’ for a small grants programme enabling them to support UK sports professionals who want to assist developing countries.
The Foundation of Goodness, the volleyball coaches and sports children would like to extend their deepest gratitude to Steve for donating his time and expertise. The optimism is huge for a bright future, knowing that there are people who are willing to dedicate their efforts to helping those who have the passion and enthusiasm but lack the experience and resources to achieve their full potential.
The coaches themselves say that “we coaches have got huge knowledge of volley ball coaching from Steve. It was a very successful programme and we are overwhelmed that he came all the way from England to support us.”
Kushil, Founder and Trustee of the Foundation of Goodness, commented that “I am sure with Steve’s exceptional coaching skills we can take this sport into another level with Thushara and the other coaches learning more from the experience. This week will live on in the memories of all those who have met Steve, as his expertise and kind nature have won the hearts of coaches and players alike“
“The greatest good you can do for another is not just to share your riches but to reveal to him his own. ~Benjamin Disraeli
2009.12.01 |
